Beaver Staff
Officers with the Loyalist Detachment of the OPP along with Loyalist Fire department performed an ice water rescue on Saturday morning. They responded to a report of a male on a large chunk of ice floating southbound on Lake Ontario and the male was unable to access dry land. The ice chunk had broken free and was floating off Amherst Island.
Canadian Forces Base Rescue operations in Trenton dispatched their helicopter and a 33 year old male was rescued from the ice. He did not sustain any injuries.
In light of the incident police are reminding people ice is never 100 per cent safe even though they may have tested the thickness. Anyone that does venture out on the ice is advised to follow these safety tips:
- Check the weather – do not go out on warm or stormy days
- Do not travel on ice if you have consumed alcohol or drugs
- Do not travel on ice alone or in the dark – always have a buddy with you
- Always let someone know your destination and time of return
- Children should be accompanied by an adult when out on the ice
- Carry a small survival kit on your person – including ice picks, rope, a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocket knife, compass and whistle
Ice is constantly changing in response to weather and water conditions and is effected by many different factors including thickness, currents, age of the ice, pressure cracks and snow cover.