While the ice may be starting to set in, the Yellowknife Fire Division is reminding those who may be wanting to head out onto the lakes that it is still too early to do so.
The Fire Division strongly recommend that people stay off of the ice on any lakes until it as at least 6 inches thick. They have also shared a series a tips for people to follow once the ice is safe enough to travel out on.
– Be aware of your surroundings
– Travel with a partner
– Carry dry clothing and an emergency kit including matches
– If travelling in a group (when snowmobiling), spread out when stopped (to spread the weight across the ice sheet)
– Carry a form of communication to call for help if your break through the ice
– Stay off the rivers; flowing water under the ice creates very thin ice even in cold temperatures
– Leave a travel plan behind and an expected return date/time
– If you are unsure of the ice thickness, drill a test hole or stay off the ice
Please call 9-1-1 or 873-2222 if you see that someone has fallen through the ice or is in distress.
