Wednesday, December 31, 2014
THIN ICE AND OTHER ICE DANGERS
(TAY TOWNSHIP, ON)- Members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to make all local ice surface users aware of the dangers of ice conditions.
With the recent cold weather local water surfaces have froze over in the Southern Georgian Bay area. OPP officers would like to remind everyone to check ice conditions before venturing out and a reminder to wear appropriate clothing and equipment for safety sake.
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) website lists guidelines on how to determine when ice is safer. For example, there needs to be at least 20 centimeters or 8 inches of clear blue ice before it is safe to snowmobile on the lake. Refer to their website https://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/ice-fishing for more information on ice safety tips.
Officers have also taken reports recently from local cottagers who have lost sections of their docks in the recent high wind weather conditions. These sections of dock have become frozen into the ice surfaces causing a possible hazard to ice users. Due to the relatively poor ice conditions these hazards along with other natural occurring issues are difficult to mark for safety. All ice surface users are reminded to be cognizant of these possible hazards along with fluctuating ice conditions.
Always remember that NO ICE IS SAFE ICE.
The staff and officers of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment wish everyone a very safe and healthy New Year.
