By Teena Monteleone

Ice anglers warned not to trust the ice

Dec 12, 2016 | 11:25 AM

As ice fishing shacks pop up on lakes around the province, conservation officers are issuing a stern warning for anglers not to trust the ice. Conservation officer Rich Hildebrand said until recently, it had been a warm winter and ice development was delayed across the province.

“Before going out, make sure there is sufficient ice for your safety and the safety of those with you,” Hildebrand said.

The Canadian Red Cross said 22 per cent of immersion deaths involving ice can be attributed to fishing, while hunting only accounts for nine

There needs to be four inches or 10 cm of ice before one is able to walk on a frozen lake. To drive a snowmobile or ATV, six inches or 15 cm is needed.

“For a vehicle or light truck, you need 20 centimeters of ice. That increases to 12 inches or 30 centimeters if you drive a heavier truck,” said Hildebrand.

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He warns those numbers are just guidelines and said the ice thickness can be different from one part of a lake to another.

“Keep checking as you move further out onto the ice. If you plan on taking a vehicle out on the ice, make very sure it’s safe to do so especially this early in the year,” he added.

Hildebrand says cracks in the ice or slushy conditions should also serve as warning signs to stay off the ice. 

teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @teenamonteleone