On the heels of two persons being rescued after falling through ice on Lake Scugog (see below), the township’s Fire Chief Mike Matthews, has urged people going out on iced-over water bodies to wear a floatation device as well as a life jacket.
He pointed out that you can wear a liner under the floatation device to keep warn.
Be careful around not just lakes in winter, but also rivers, creeks, ponds and retention ponds, the fire chief warned in an interview on Rogers TV.
He also urged enthusiasts to carry an ice pick (to pull selves out in case they fall through the ice), rope and a signalling device such as a whistle.
Most importantly, he said, never go out alone on the ice.
Fire Cheif Matthews said in case you fall in, turn to where you came from as that was safer ice, and once you get out, do not stand, but roll over and seek warmth.
Don’t Rush In
For those who see someone falling in, the fire chief said, do not rush in, but call 911 and let trained personnel do the rescue. If you have a stick or a rope, try to help the person out.
He said a person can check the thickness of the ice with an auger. If the ice is 3 inches or less, stay off. Ice 4 inches thick is good enough for walking or ice fishing and 5-7 inches is okay for snowmobiles. If ice is 6-12 inches thick it can take a car or a small truck, but that is not recommended, the chief said.
He said if the ice is clear blue, it is the strongest, with white and opaque, weaker and less stable. Ice near open or moving water is not safe at all, said the fire chief.
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