Is the Ice Safe to Play?

LTVCA Cautions Public On Hazards of Using Outdoor Natural Water Bodies For Winter Recreation Lower Thames Valley Watershed –

The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) cautions the public to be careful around natural water bodies like ponds, creeks, lakes, rivers.  These water bodies may look frozen … but the ice may be hazardous and not thick enough for skating, hockey, ice fishing, or snowmobiling. The LTVCA does not monitor the ponds, creeks, rivers and reservoirs in its conservation areas for winter recreation safety.

There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice.  Ice thickness is never consistent.  Avoid streams and rivers with flowing water, and ice that has recently frozen, thawed, and then frozen again.  Fluctuating weather conditions can also compromise the integrity of ice from day to day.

People going onto frozen water bodies put both themselves, the public, and municipal first responders at risk. Falling through the ice could cause hypothermia and death within minutes.

Rivers and creeks are extremely cold at this time of year and their banks are very slippery, creating a serious hazard.  Parents are encouraged to remind their children of the danger and to keep pets away from all water bodies.

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For further information please contact

Randall Van Wagner – LTVCA Manager Conservation Lands and Services

Randall.VanWagner@ltvca.ca