Winnipeg, MB – As temperatures continue to drop and ice begins to form, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) and Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) remind residents to use extreme caution around all Winnipeg waterways.
Ice surfaces can be thin and fragile, and falling into ice-cold waters can be deadly.
The City of Winnipeg does not monitor ice conditions on rivers, waterways, or ponds throughout the winter months. Residents should avoid going on these ice surface due to the possibility of rapidly changing conditions based on weather, water currents, and runoff.
Parents, caregivers, and teachers are encouraged to speak to children and students about the dangers of thin ice. Dog owners should keep dogs on leashes around the ice to prevent them from chasing wildlife onto thin ice surfaces.
“Any waterway, including rivers, streams, ditches and retention ponds should be considered unsafe at this time of year,” said Lisa Gilmour, Assistant Chief, Community Risk Reduction, WFPS. “As a matter of safety, we urge all residents to stay away from these surfaces and their banks.”
Residents are also reminded that while the WPS River Patrol Unit places “Danger - Thin Ice” signage at specific locations including outfalls, retention ponds, and other potentially dangerous areas - all bodies of water should be considered unsafe, even if warning signage is not present.
"Signage is one component of making this a safe winter season on and around Winnipeg waterways, but nothing beats those heartfelt personal reminders to and from loved ones to stay off the ice – especially at this time of year," says River Patrol Officer Ray Duma.
"We go out there with many safety measures in place. Even so, we recognize one misstep can lead to a cold and dangerous plunge into those waters. I wouldn't consider it in casual clothes, boots and a parka. Right now, it's not worth the risk."
Each year, the WFPS responds to approximately 150 water and ice safety calls for service.