Ice testing on the Yellowknife Lakes is now complete. Please continue to use caution when on the ice as there are a variety of factors that cause ice to form more slowly in certain areas, such as moving water.
The City of Yellowknife reminds residents to not use the Yellowknife River as a travel corridor in the winter and stay away from the channel between the boat launch and Prosperous Lake.
When snowmobiling, advise taking the following precautions:
- Always travel with a buddy;
- Tell people where you are going and when you are expected back;
- Bring an extra set of warm clothing and consider purchasing a floatation snowmobile suit;
- Spread out the weight of snow machines and do not park them close together on the ice;
- Ensure you have the following safety equipment with you: ice picks, rope, cellphone packed in a waterproof container, first aid kit, flashlight, waterproof matches or lighter, tool kit, candles and a survival blanket.
- As when using the road system, do not drive a snow machine while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
When walking on the ice “light up”. Wear reflective clothing and/or a form of illumination to ensure snow machine operators can see you. Be aware of your surroundings.
What to do if the person you are with falls through the ice:
- Keep calm
- Don’t run-up to the hole; you may fall through as well
- Use an item to throw or extend to the victim, such as jumper cables, skis, rope or push a boat ahead of you
- Get immediate medical assistance for the victim; people subjected to the extreme cold may seem fine after being rescued, but could still be at risk of life-threatening conditions
- If you are unable to rescue the victim, call the Fire Division
What to do if you fall in the ice:
- Remain calm and look towards the shore
- Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface of the ice
- Work forward on the ice by kicking your feet; this will assist you in keeping your body horizontal and help you “swim” out of the hole in the ice
- If the ice breaks, maintain your position and slide forward again; if this doesn’t work – keep trying!
- Once you are lying on the ice, don’t stand up, instead roll away from the hole
- Crawl back through your original track and ensure that your weight is spread out until you are on solid ice or onshore
- Seek immediate medical assistance
Please call 9-1-1 / 873-2222 if you see that someone has fallen through the ice or is in distress.
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