Here in Chestermere we have the privilege of a gorgeous lake that residents and area folks use year round. In the summer months, you’ll find boats or all fashion, people swimming and even some fishing going on. When old man winter arrives, the lake – and other bodies of water in Chestermere – remain busy but with things like quads, ice fishing, skating and, of course, a good ole’ hockey game. Of course, no matter what activity you’re doing on the water or ice…there are always dangers that could occur.
Over the past few weekends, Chestermere Fire Services, has been participating in some ice rescue training on the pond in West Creek just off West Lakeview Drive. Going over everything from equipment, tools, assessing the scene and dialogue to have with the victim. Drills were ran with one member of the team in a cut out in the ice and proper rescue techniques were then executed until their victim was safely out of the freezing water.
Work Safe Alberta reports that over the period of 1991 to 2000, there were 447 deaths associated with activities on ice. Of these, 246 involved snowmobiles, 150 involved non-motorized activity and 51 motorized vehicles. Most of the deaths associated with activities on ice were related to recreational activities. (Canadian Red Cross Society 2006).
So, when is the ice safe and for what type of load or activity? Well, the Old Farmer’s Almanac says:
• 3 inches – single person on foot
• 4 inches – group in single file
• 7 ½ inches – passenger car (2-ton gross)
• 8 inches – light truck (2 ½ – ton gross)
• 10 inches – medium truck (3 ½ – ton gross)
• 12 inches – heavy truck (8 – ton gross)
• 15 inches – 10 tons
• 20 inches – 25 tons
• 30 inches – 70 tons
• 36 inches – 110 tons
However, Chestermere Peace Officers state, “Chestermere’s Community Standards Bylaw allows off highway vehicles such as snow mobiles and ATV’s to be operated on the frozen ice surface, however motor vehicles/passenger vehicles such as cars, SUV’s, trucks, etc. are not allowed to be operated on the frozen lake surface. People in contravention of this section of the Community Standards Bylaw could be subject to a $250 fine. Operate your off highway vehicles in a safe and responsible manner, and have consideration for other users of the lake such as people who are skating and ice fishing, as well as the residents of Chestermere who live on the lake”.
The City of Chestermere website also advises residents of ice use saying, “The City does not give permits for any recreational activities on storm ponds. The water levels and ice thickness changes throughout the winter due to the freeze-thaw cycle and it is unsafe to be on these ponds. If residents choose to go on these ponds, they do so at their own risk. The recommended thickness of ice should be at least 15cm thick for walking alone, 20cm for more than one person and 25cm for a snowmobile with no cracks. However, please be aware that NO ICE IS CONSIDERED SAFE. In addition, for those who walk their dogs on any body of water please keep a close eye on them. Many dogs love to chase waterfowl that use the open water and the ice may not be stable enough for them either”.
If you fall through the ice, MyWildAlberta.com says:
• If you are in a vehicle that has gone through the water, exit the vehicle immediately
• If in the water, go to the ice edge and break your way to ice that can hold your weight. Time is of the essence.
• 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 set in quickly and leave you helpless.
Should you come across someone in distress on a frozen pond or the lake, please call 9-1-1.
