Rob Heming
Sales Representative
Realty Executives Plus Ltd.
Cottage Country offers endless options for outdoor recreation, even in the depths of Winter! As the temperatures drop, Mother Nature offers up a new playing surface by freezing up our countless bodies of water. Hiking, skating, pond hockey, ice fishing, snowmobiling … there are so many ways to get out and enjoy the ice this season but safety must ALWAYS come first!
What to Look For
One of the best indications of the ice’s strength is its colour. Clear blue or black ice is always the strongest, as it was formed at a steady rate without any weather disturbances. White, cloudy opaque ice will be half as strong, as it is usually formed by wet snow and slush freezing on top. It can also hide many seams, cracks and imperfections underneath. Grey ice indicates that water is present and should NEVER be trusted. Ice will always be thickest closest to the shoreline.
Other factors to consider when determining how safe the ice may be include:
How Thick Should the Ice Be?
The ideal thickness of the ice varies greatly by activity and depends mostly on the weight that will be put on the ice surface. The above safety factors should also always be considered.
These thicknesses apply to solid, clear blue or black ice on ponds and lakes.
SKATING/HIKING/NORDIC SKIING: 4 inches
ICE FISHING: 4 inches
SNOWMOBILES/ATVS: 6 inches
HEAVY TRUCKS: 12 inches
What To Do If You Fall In
If you do experience a break in the ice and fall in, the best advice is to stay calm and call for help.
If you are alone, resist the urge to immediately climb back up where you fell in. The ice is already weak and sudden pressure will lead to more breakage. Bring yourself to a floating position on your stomach and reach forward as far as possible while kicking your feet. Try to distribute your body weight evenly and crawl or roll to shore without standing up.
If someone in your group falls through, immediately call 911. If you are able to attempt a rescue yourself, it is safest to do so from shore. Lie down and extend a long branch, pole or rope to the person you are rescuing. Have them kick their feet while you both distribute your weight as evenly as possible and remain low to the ground.
Despite the dangers, the frozen lakes of Cottage Country offer up a whole new world for you to explore. Dress warm, stay safe and get outside!
Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties, as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.
