OPP Warns people to ‘think’ before they venture out onto the ice

Feb 22, 2017 @ 16:18

Wawa Lake on Tuesday, February 21s7, 2017. Although the lake is very slushy and there are lots of puddles, there have been no reports of open water. There have been reports of open water on Manitouwik Lake, please exercise caution as the warm weather continues.

The North East Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning people to think twice before venturing onto any ice surface. Environmental conditions have varied over the past few days and bodies of water that were once safe to walk on, or to travel on with vehicles or machines, are no longer strong enough to hold the extra weight.

“Don’t trust the ice,” warns North East Region OPP Traffic and Marine Unit Commander, Inspector Scott Hlady. “There have been mild temperatures reported across the North East Region the last few days and ice has become slushy and weak in many areas. Be aware of the thickness and quality of the ice so you reduce the risk of falling through.”

If you are working or carrying out activities on or near bodies of water, travel or work in groups. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear a personal floatation device or a buoyant suit in case you fall through the ice. Also, carry an emergency kit that should include: ice picks, a rope, a cell phone (in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit. Be sure to create a plan and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Remember, no ice is completely safe!

For further information and for more ice safety tips, please visit:

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs

The Canadian Red Cross

About the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) - The Ontario Provincial Police is one of North America's largest deployed police services with more than 6,200 uniformed officers, 3,100 civilian employees and 800 Auxiliary officers. They provide essential services that ensure the safety and security of the people of the Province of Ontario.

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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) provide policing services throughout Ontario. Our officers are responsible for policing over one million square kilometres of land and waterways. They provide frontline policing services to more than 320 Ontario municipalities and patrol over 126,000 kilometres of provincial roadways.

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