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Ice Safety

Always check ice conditions after each change in weather - if ice measures 15 cm it is safe to walk, skate or cross-country ski; at 25 cm (minimum) it is safe to snowmobile; at 40 cm (minimum) it is safe to drive a car on ice

If you must walk on ice, take a long pole with you

To aid someone who has broken through the ice, act quickly and wisely; yell for assistance - do not leave victim as they could quickly perish from hypothermia; look for something with which to pull the victim to safety; lie down and make your way towards the victim instructing them to grab hold of the object; instruct victim to kick their feet and swim onto the ice as you pull them out; stay horizontal and crawl to safety

If you fall through the ice and no one is around: stay calm, reach as far up onto the ice as you can, and kick your feet so your body is horizontal; slowly swim, slide or roll up onto the ice - keep trying if you don't succeed the first time; once out of the ice, stay horizontal and crawl towards shore

Once you or the victim is on dry land, try to get warm and dry and seek medical attention

If you are unsure of ice conditions - STAY OFF!

Keep children away from the banks of ponds, streams and rivers during the spring thaw