Police Warning About Dangerous Ice Conditions

The OPP is warning you that the ice is not yet thick or strong enough to be on and that those who do go out on the ice are endangering their own lives and the lives of police and rescue personnel. On Tuesday, Central Hastings OPP were contacted by a concerned person after three men had walked out a long way onto lake to go fishing. Police called the men back and warned them about the poor ice conditions. None of the men were wearing a flotation suit or life jacket. Under these current weather conditions the ice is never safe. If you must go out onto the ice, here are some guidelines to follow:
• Ice Fishing, walking, and cross-country skiing all require at least 4” of New Clear Hard Ice
• One snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle requires at least 5” of New Clear Hard Ice.
• One vehicle, car, or small pick-up requires at least 8” to 12” of New Clear Hard Ice.
• One vehicle, medium truck, requires at least 12” to 15” of New Clear Hard Ice.
Always, check the ice in several places before traveling onto it.
Wear a Floatation Suit and carry Ice Picks.
If you go onto the ice be prepared to get wet and cold and rescue yourself.
Remember, ice conditions may vary from day-to-day, from hour to hour and from place to place.