As the snow and ice continue to melt, our lakes and rivers become flooded, move faster and become extremely unstable around this time of year. The Town’s Fire and Protective Services Department is encouraging residents to stay off of melting ice surfaces. Thank you for being safe!
What to do if you fall through ice into water:
• Stay calm and try to keep your head out of the water and control your breathing.
• Call for help and keep your hands on the ice shelf.
• Try to pull yourself up on the ice on your stomach and roll towards the shore, where the ice may be thicker.
• If you can’t get out of the water in less than 10 minutes, stop kicking and trying to pull yourself out, and anchor yourself to the ice shelf. Continue to call for help.
What to do if you witness a person falling through ice:
• Stay back and call for help; call 9-1-1.
• If the person does get out of the water, onto the ice or shore, reach or throw an aid to the person such as a branch or rope.
(‘Ice Safety Near Water’, City of Calgary – http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Fire/Pages/Safety-tips/Ice-safety.aspx)
