Last Update/Review: August 6, 2002

The following guidelines do not override your obligation to use caution and common sense when travelling on ice.

• Ask someone who knows the area about ice conditions and places to avoid.
• Never walk on ice that is less than 10 cm (4 in.) thick and do not drive on ice that is less than 30 cm (12 in.) thick. When in doubt, error on the side of caution.
• Beware of ice near the inlet and outlet of streams. Always be extra cautious on river and stream ice. Ice can vary in thickness and in strength from area to area because of temperature, water current, springs, snow cover and time of year.
• Do not drive fast, follow closely behind or park near another vehicle on the ice. Ice is actually quite plastic and can bend and crack with the weight of people, vehicles or heavy snow. Keep an eye on ice and snow conditions ahead of you. If the weather has been warm or heavy snow has depressed the ice, there may be hidden "slush traps" that can disable a vehicle.
• When travelling in a vehicle on lake ice, keep your seat belts off, have your window opened a crack, and your door half unlatched to assist in its quick opening if the need should arise. Always carry in your vehicle a shovel and tow rope.
• Always carry on your person waterproof matches and nails or spikes to assist your exit out of the water if the need should arise.

If you should fall through the ice:

• Exit your vehicle immediately.
• If in the water — time is of the essence, go to the ice edge and break your way to ice that can hold your weight.
• Crawl on your belly up on ice, spreading your weight as far as possible. Use nails or spikes for added traction.
• Immediately seek a warm place to remove wet clothes. This may mean going to shore and quickly building a fire.

Remember: Hypothermia can render a person helpless very quickly.