Police warning of the dangers of thin ice “No ice is safe ice”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Monday, December 30, 2019 12:45pm

(Ottawa)–The Ottawa Police Service has received multiple calls regarding people venturing out onto the ice this past weekend and is reminding residents of the many dangers that may arise due to thin ice.

Even though temperatures have been below zero, the ice remains thin in many areas and presents hidden dangers.

The Marine Dive and Trails Unit is offering safety advice to keep Ottawa residents out of danger: 

• Ice is inherently dangerous at this time of year and is always unpredictable. Stay away from open bodies of water. 
• Always supervise children playing outside who may wander or want to play near rivers, ponds, creeks or ditches etc. A child can drown in less than two inches of water.
• Falling into water at this time of year can lead to hypothermia and death. 
• Cold water temperatures at this time of year can prevent even strong swimmers from escaping once they’ve fallen through the ice.
• If snowmobiling, stay safe on the trails and away from water or thin ice. Over half of drownings related to snowmobiling occur after dark and consumption of alcohol and/or drugs continues to be a contributing factor in snowmobiling related drownings.

Ottawa Police reminds everyone to remain vigilant when outside near area waterways. More ice safety tips are available online. 

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CONTACT: 

Media Relations Section

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366