The OPP has issued a statement warning people against venturing out on ice surfaces after three incidents around the region in less than a week. In a media release, the OPP reported on an incident in the Prince Edward County area, illustrating what can happen in current circumstances.
“There has been another dangerous situation in eastern Ontario with people venturing onto the ice. It happened shortly after 5:00 pm on February 21. Four men had been out fishing on the ice of Wellers Bay, nearly a kilometre from shore in the Consecon area. The ice they were on separated from shore, leaving them no way to get back. Prince Edward Fire and Rescue responded and was able to rescue two of the men using a boat. A helicopter from 424 Search and Rescue Squadron at CFB Trenton was dispatched by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and its crew was able to rescue the other two men and bring them to shore.”
The statement noted further that there have been several recent incidents across eastern Ontario involving people falling through the ice, including one which tragically resulted in the death of two people.
The OPP continues to stress that no ice is safe ice, as the winter weather has not been typical and ice conditions have been unpredictable and inconsistent. They point out that ice is greatly affected by weather, as well as other factors including:
- water depth and size of body of water,
- currents and other moving water,
- logs, rocks, and shoals absorbing heat from the sun, and
- changing air temperature.
Ice does not form at uniform thickness on a body of water. It may look safe, but may not be thick, strong or stable enough to support a person’s weight. This week’s mild weather will make the ice even less stable. Children should not play near or on ice covered bodies of water or even cold or fast flowing water.
People using any water area that is ice-covered need to be aware of these factors and the danger thin ice poses. Check everything before venturing out on the ice.
