Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning people that even if a body of water looks frozen solid it could be dangerous, especially in the early stages of winter.
The OPP describe early-season ice as dangerously thin and unpredictable.
According to Ontario's Lifesaving Society, about 35 per cent of drownings in Canada happen from October to April when most people have no intention of going into the water. Of those incidents, most of them happen due to snowmobiling accidents.
"While some people enjoy snowmobiling or motorized recreational vehicles on frozen lakes and waterways, current ice conditions greatly increase the risk of breaking through the ice and experiencing cold-water immersion, which can become life-threatening within minutes," a release from police said. "Taking unnecessary risks not only endangers individuals but also puts emergency responders in harm's way during rescue efforts."
Anyone going out to enjoy the season is reminded to:
• Remain on designated trails
• Avoid unfamiliar areas, particularly at night
• Check the weather and trail conditions before you leave
• Wear appropriate clothing to prevent hypothermia
• Ensure your cellphone is fully charged
• Consider downloading the what3words app, which aids first responders in pinpointing your location if you need help
• Always tell someone your planned destination and your expected time of return
Snowmobilers are also reminded to:
• Not drink alcohol or consume drugs while on snowmobiles or other motorized vehicles. Not only do they impair judgment, drugs and alcohol reduce your body's ability to stay warm in cold conditions.
• Carry safety equipment such as ice picks and throw ropes in case you find yourself in an unsafe situation
• Regularly inspect your snowmobile or other motorized vehicles to make sure it is in good mechanical condition
• Bring a first-aid kit and a survival kit
If someone does fall through the ice, police recommend calling 9-1-1 immediately and waiting for rescue, if possible.
"Safe rescue efforts require appropriate equipment and training," police noted. "You cannot help anyone if your safety is also at risk."
The Lifesaving Society and the Canadian Safe Boating Council explained that someone who falls though ice should keep the 1-10-1 principle in mind.
1-10-1 is a simple way to remember the first three phases of cold water immersion and the approximate time each phase takes.
1 minute - cold shock
Cold Shock will pass in about 1 minute. During that time concentrate on avoiding panic and getting control of your breathing.
10 minutes - cold incapacitation
If you are in cold water for about 10 minutes you will lose the effective use of your fingers, arms and legs for any meaningful movement. If rescue isn't possible in that time, prepare to have a way to keep your airway clear to wait for self rescue. Swim failure will occur within these critical minutes and if you're in the water without a lifejacket, drowning could occur.
1 hour - Hypothermia
Even in ice water, it could take approximately one hour to fall unconscious because of Hypothermia.
