Thin ice in Sask. prompts RCMP safety tips

With the warm winter temperatures continuing in the province, open ice has been spotted on Lake Diefenbaker.

Earlier this week, the Saskatoon Fire Department cleared certain recreational ponds for skating in the city. However, not all water is safe for skating or other outdoor activities at this time.

Saskatchewan RCMP is offering some ice safety reminders for people in the province looking to enjoy the weather by heading out on the ice.

Anyone fishing, snowmobiling, skating or near ice for any other purpose should not go on ice alone and stay away from ice that looks slushy, has thawed and re-frozen or is near moving water or a pressure crack.

RCMP said ice thickness is something to be aware of before heading out on the ice. It should be 15 centimetres thick before walking or skating on it. To support a snowmobile, ice should be at least 25 cm thick, and 30 cm thick to support a vehicle.

The colour of the ice can be telling — blue ice indicates it is strong, while white or grey ice is not usually as strong.

If snowmobiling, it’s important to have the proper gear for the activity, as well as safety gear like ice picks, poles and ropes, a first aid kit and cold-weather supplies, including a thermal blanket.

Someone who falls through the ice should remain call, try and control their breathing and call for help.

Then, RCMP tips recommend the person brace themself on the ice shelf and reach forward while kicking their legs to try and propel their torso onto the ice. Do not push downwards.

When back on the ice, avoid standing up and instead crawl or roll with your weight evenly distributed to minimize further ice breakage.

For a bystander who sees someone fall through the ice, RCMP encourages that person to call 91 and encourage them to kick their legs and pull themselves onto the ice. They can then throw a rope or branch to them to help them make their way off of the surface.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Shane Clausing