As winter approaches, Gregoire Cormier from the Lifesaving Society in New Brunswick shares essential safety tips for Islanders venturing onto natural ice surfaces. Whether engaging in pond hockey or smelt fishing, it is crucial to check the weather, avoid solo outings, refrain from nighttime activities, and always have a solid plan in place.
Cormier emphasizes that a single cold snap is insufficient to ensure ice safety; consecutive days of temperatures at -20°C are necessary for proper ice formation. Additionally, he highlights the importance of observing the ice color as an indicator of its strength. Clear ice is considered the strongest, while white ice may contain air pockets, and grey or yellow ice is the weakest.
Regarding ice thickness, Cormier advises that for walking on a pond, the ice should be at least 10 centimeters thick. Engaging in activities like hockey or snowmobiling requires ice thickness of 12 cm, while driving a car or light truck necessitates 30 cm of ice. He stresses the need for caution, as freezing temperatures vary based on water type, with saltwater bodies taking longer to freeze.
Cormier warns that ideal conditions can change rapidly, emphasizing the importance of continuously assessing the ice thickness during outings. He suggests using an auger to drill pilot holes, wearing a life jacket, and using a rope for safety measures. Factors like snow accumulation on the ice surface also impact safety.
In case of breaking through the ice, Cormier introduces the 1-10-1 rule. Stay calm for the first minute, utilize the next 10 minutes to carefully pull yourself out using available tools or rolling away from the hole, and be cautious for the following hour to avoid severe hypothermia. Cormier also advises on how to assist someone in distress on the ice, emphasizing the unpredictability of ice thickness due to changing weather conditions.
Overall, Cormier underscores the importance of being prepared, cautious, and vigilant when engaging in activities on natural ice surfaces, as safety should always be the top priority.
