With temperatures starting to rise, police are warning the community about thin ice and open bodies of water.
Sgt. Walt Lushman of the Ottawa Police Service’s Marine, Dive and Trails Unit says that ice conditions can become unpredictable and dangerous as more snow and ice begins to melt away and adds that when it comes to safely crossing, any section of ice less than fifteen centimeters thick is a hazard.
It only takes a minute of immersion in cold water to go into cold shock, ten minutes to become incapacitated, and one hour to contract hypothermia.
If you’re heading out on a trail by foot or snowmobile during the melt, you’re advised to stick to trails away from open water or thin ice.
You should also keep a close eye on your kids and pets near rivers, ponds, and creeks.