Ice Safety


Ice Safety

Ice Safety In wintertime, many of Canada’s millions of lakes and ponds call many adventurers to come out and play. Frozen bodies of water offer great opportunities for sports such as ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. Because no ice surface is without some risk, ensure you become ice aware and take all necessary precautions before you venture out. If not, you could literally find yourself on thin ice!

The recommended minimum depth for activities on new, clear, hard ice is:

Ice Depth Activity
7 cm (3 in) or less STAY OFF
10cm (4 in) ice fishing, walking, cross country skiing
12cm (5 in) one snowmobile or ATV
20-30cm (8-12 in) one car or small pickup
30-38cm (12-15 in) one medium truck (pickup or van)
The Right Gear

Take the Essentials:
  • Flashlight
  • Fire making kit
  • Signalling device (i.e. whistle)
  • Extra food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • Navigational/communication devices
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency blanket/shelter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun protection
Leave a Trip Plan with responsible party, family member or friend.

Take equipment specific to ice safety:

  • Thermal underwear
  • A second layer for warmth on those colder days
  • Warm ,waterproof jacket & pants
  • Warm hat, gloves and socks
  • Snowmobile Flotation Suit, or Lifejacket/PFD
  • Safety Equipment – including ice picks (can be homemade), ice staff, rope
If you break though:
  • Do not panic. Your clothing will trap air and keep you buoyant.
  • Turn towards the direction you came from and place your hands and arms flat on the unbroken surface.
  • Kick your feet and try to push yourself up on top of the unbroken ice on your stomach, like a seal.
  • Once you are lying on the ice, don’t stand up. Roll away from the break until you are on solid ice.
If your buddy breaks through:
  • Stay calm and think out a solution.
  • Don't run up to the hole. You might break through and then you’ll both need help.
  • Use an item to throw or extend to your friend to pull them out of the water – if you don’t have a rope, improvise with items such as jumper cables, skis, etc.
  • If you can't rescue your buddy immediately, call 911 on a cell phone.
Cool Links

Lifesaving Society

Weather Office

Ice Safety Guidelines (PDF File)

Ice Safety Tips | Lifesaving Society
Alberta and Northwest Territories

Ice Safety - Red Cross

Ice Safety Tips

CottageLink Magazine - Safety on the Ice

Ice Safety Essentials: Myths and Self-Rescue Information

Newfoundland Sportsman

Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism (banner); Government of Yukon/C. Archbould

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