Cold Water is Dangerous. Stay Safe Near Winnipeg Waterways

Released: December 3, 2025 at 1:07 p.m.

With temperatures dropping, our rivers, creeks, and retention ponds become extremely unpredictable. A single slip near the edge can put anyone into dangerously cold water.

Cold water shock can overwhelm even strong swimmers in under one minute.

Please keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Stay well back from the edge of all waterways.
  • Avoid walking on any ice. Early-season ice is unsafe, no exceptions.
  • If someone falls in, call 9-1-1 immediately.

We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

Parents, guardians, and educators: now is the time to remind young people about staying clear of the water’s edge and the dangers of thin ice.

Learn more about cold-water safety and the 1-10-1 principle at the Canadian Safe Boating Council.

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.