Keeping Ice Safety Top of Mind this Winter Season

Winter in Alberta brings so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With NHCS’ close proximity to Wizard Lake, many families take to the ice to enjoy various activities. While being out on the ice is a wonderful winter activity, it should be done with caution.

According to the Canadian Red Cross (2022), there are several considerations that should be given before going out on the ice. Ice safety is determined by a compilation of factors including time of year, source of water (size of the body of water and water depth), currents/ moving water, chemicals, air temperature, structures or items in the water absorbing heat (docks, logs, rocks), shock waves from vehicles on the ice). These can all impact the thickness of the ice, thereby impacting its safety.

The minimum thickness ice should be is as follows

• 15 cm for walking or skating alone

• 20 cm for group skating

• 25 cm for snowmobiles

• 30 cm for vehicles

Pay attention to the colour of the ice as it can be an indication of its strength and health

• Clear blue ice is the strongest

• White opaque is half as strong as blue ice

• Grey ice is unsafe and indicates a presence of water

Please see the attached infographics for additional information on how to ice safety.

Canadian Red Cross. (2022). Ice safety. https://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/swimming-and-water-safety-tips-and-resources/swimming-boating-and-water-safety-tips/ice-safety#:~:text=If%20you%20go%20onto%20ice,slowly%20crawl%20toward%20the%20hole.