Be Safe on Ice
You and your children will have an accident-free winter if you remember that
- All posted signs are there for your safety - obey them
- Moving water doesn't freeze evenly - stay away from all creeks and rivers
- Only maintained ice is safe ice
The ice may look thick enough to support your weight, but you have to keep in mind the following:
- Sudden drops in temperature weaken ice
- Slushy snow or water on top of ice may hide cracks in it
- Snow cover over ice may warm the ice up sufficiently to weaken it - even on a cold day
- Wildlife may contribute to weakening of ice
- Any objects (logs, rocks) sticking out from the ice weaken it
- Warm weather, especially springtime, makes ice unpredictable
If You Fall Through Ice (Self-Rescue Steps)
- Yell to get attention of others
- Reach and grab onto the ice
- Kick hard, and push your stomach onto the ice
- Roll like a log once on the ice; don't get up to walk to the shore
- Hang onto the ice, and keep yelling if you can't get out yourself
If Someone Else Falls Through Ice
- Stay on the shore; don't attempt a rescue
Rescues often end with two victims - Yell out the self-rescue steps to the person
- Try to get an adult to help
- Call 911, or use an emergency phone if you see one
- Watch and talk to the person
- Wait for help
- Show help where the person is or where you last saw the person
Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Moving Loads on Clear Blue Ice
| Load | Minimum Thickness of Ice cm | Minimum Thickness of Ice inches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person, walking |
5 cm |
2" |
| Group, single file |
8 cm |
3" |
|
Passenger car (2000 kg) |
18 cm |
7" |
| Light truck |
20 cm |
8" |
| Heavy truck (7500 kg) |
35 cm |
14" |
