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With the colder temperatures moving into Airdrie and ice starting to develop on bodies of water, the Airdrie Fire Department is reminding residents about ice safety.
Airdrie Fire Chief Mike Pirie explained AFD has one main message they share every year.
"Ice is very unpredictable. It's not just something you can look at and know if it is safe or not. Airdrie has a lot of water features, we have ponds, we have Nose Creek Park, we have canals, and none of those are safe to be out on during the winter time."
He explained the park staff does an awesome job measuring the ice in designated spots that Airdronians do like to skate on, but the best spots are still actual skating rinks.
"We get at least a dozen calls a year to go out on the ice into these natural bodies of water, whether it's for an animal or a person. And absolutely, the consequences of going out on ice and falling through can be very tragic."
Pirie shared some tips on what to do if you are near a body of ice or fall through.
"Staying in groups is important because if something happens, you can react and try helping each other out by throwing or using a reaching implement. What we don't recommend anyone do is go out onto the ice. It only creates two people to take care of instead of one."
He explained that it's okay to try to assist somebody as long as you don't have to go onto the ice. Most of the calls they receive for those who need saving are from storm and retention ponds, as there are quite a few around the city.
"Safe ice is not retention ponds, canals and creeks. If you see somebody or an animal stuck in the middle of the ice or broken through, call 9-1-1 as soon as possible."
The City of Airdrie has also reminded residents that many factors can affect ice thickness, especially in stormwater ponds. Factors include:
- Fluctuating temperatures.
- Depth and size of body of water.
- Flowing water under the ice.
- Chemicals like salt and silt from run-off are found in storm ponds, including water fluctuations.
Pirie finished by asking residents to please be safe and always dress for the weather.
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