Ice Safety

FROM/DE:  Bancroft Detachment O.P.P.
DATE: December 02, 2013

NO ICE IS WITHOUT RISK

(Bancroft, Ontario) – The Bancroft detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind the public that even though there is ice on some lakes and rivers in the Bancroft area, you need to use caution if you choose to be on them.  Not every lake is the same and varying winter weather conditions and temperatures can change ice conditions quickly.

Always check the ice in several places before travelling onto it, wear a floatation suit, carry ice picks and if you go onto to the ice be prepared to rescue yourself. If you are travelling in a group, keep good spacing so that if one person goes into the water, no one else will.

If you are walking or ice fishing, you will require at least 4 inches of new clear hard ice for one person.  If you are on a snowmobile or ATV you will require at least 5 inches of new hard clear ice for one person.  If you are in one vehicle or small pickup truck, you will require at least 8-12 inches of clear hard new ice.

Always remember that no ice is without risk and you need to use caution when travelling on ice.

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Contact:  Susanne Cox

                 Community Service Officer

                 Bancroft OPP

Phone:  613-332-2112

www.opp.ca