A woman looks out at a frozen lake, showing one precaution to take before going on the ice.

Canadians know how to make the most out of winter. Whether it’s taking advantage of a fresh snowfall to go snowmobiling or skating on a frozen lake, there are plenty of fun things to do during this frosty time of year. However, there are some risks to keep in mind — especially if you’re on a frozen body of water. Before you bundle up for a walk, sled ride, or game of hockey on the lake, follow these simple precautions to stay safe:

  1. Check the ice thickness. Before you head out on the ice, use an ice auger, chisel, or drill to make a hole. Measure how thick the ice is with a measuring tape to see if it can support your weight. Different activities require different levels of thickness, so follow this easy guide when measuring whether the ice is safe:
    • Snowmobiling — at least 25 cm
    • Group activities, like hockey, walking, skiing, or sledding — at least 20 cm
  2. Check what type of ice has formed. The appearance of the ice can also tell you whether it’s safe to go on.
    • Clear blue or black ice – This is the thickest and strongest type of ice and can safely support a variety of activities.
    • White, opaque ice – This type of ice forms when wet snow freezes on top of ice and isn’t nearly as strong as clear blue ice. Avoid going on the lake when the ice is this white.
    • Grey ice – This type of ice means water is close to the surface, so it’s too thin to stand on. Avoid this type of ice at all costs!
  3. Stay off the ice if the weather has been inconsistent. Major temperature fluctuations can compromise the ice’s strength. If the lake recently thawed and froze again, avoid going on the ice until temperatures are consistently below freezing.
  4. Check for unstable ice. Avoid going out onto the ice if you see patches of slush, puddles, cracks, breaks, or holes.

    Clearing off a frozen lake for a hockey game is a Canadian pastime. Make sure it’s a safe one this winter by always checking the ice condition, thickness, and colour before stepping foot onto its icy surface.

  5. Only go out on still bodies of water. Ice doesn’t form well on flowing water, like springs, rivers, or streams. That’s why frozen lakes are the safest option for any activity.
  6. Bring a friend. While it may be tempting to venture out on an early morning walk alone, it’s best to go on a frozen lake with someone you trust in the event of an emergency.
  7. Learn what to do if the ice breaks. Before going on a frozen lake, learn what to do if you or someone you know falls through the ice:
    • What to do if you fall through the ice. If the ice breaks and you fall into the water, try to stay calm and kick as hard as you can so you can climb horizontally onto the ice. Once you get up, roll onto a thicker patch of ice, and evenly distribute your weight by slowly crawling on your stomach back to land. Do not stand on your feet! If the ice is unstable, you risk falling back into the water. Once you’re safely inside, remove your wet clothes and warm yourself quickly to prevent hypothermia.
    • What to do if someone you’re with falls through the ice. If your companion breaks through the ice, do not go onto the ice to save them — this increases your risk of also falling into the water. Immediately call 911 and while you wait for emergency services to arrive, extend a rope, tree branch, or another long object to help pull them up onto the ice from a safe distance.

Winter is the perfect time to get outdoors. Follow these simple tips, and safely enjoy everything winter has to offer. 

Just like walking or skating in the ice and snow, biking in the winter poses a unique set of risks. Learn how to safely extend your biking season so you can confidently peddle through the sleet and slush.

Want to help your friends and family stay safe while on the lake this winter? Share these tips on Facebook or Twitter.