As temperatures rise across the Pembina Valley, local fire officials are urging residents to stay off ice-covered lakes, ponds, and creeks. Captain Jonathan Baumgart of the Morden Fire Department warns that spring ice is significantly weaker than it appears and poses a serious danger.
Spring ice: Why it’s not safe
"As the weather warms up, spring ice becomes rotten ice," says Baumgart. "Once ice starts rotting, we can’t use thickness as a way to determine if it’s safe."
Unlike the solid, clear blue or green-tinted ice seen in the deep winter months, melting ice takes on a black or gray appearance, often with white patches. "That’s a sign air pockets and water are mixing into the ice, making it weak and unpredictable," Baumgart explains.
Signs of dangerous ice
For those who venture near frozen bodies of water, Baumgart advises paying attention to warning signs. "If you see water pooling on the surface, slush, or cracks forming, the ice is no longer safe," he says.
Additionally, ice near rocks, stumps, and docks tends to weaken faster due to heat absorption. "Those areas will melt before the rest of the ice, so they can be particularly dangerous."
What to do if you fall through
Despite warnings, accidents happen. If you fall through the ice, Baumgart stresses the importance of staying calm: "Your first instinct is to gasp, but that’s the last thing we want. Take deep, slow breaths to control your body’s response to the cold."
To get out, he advises:
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Swim back toward the spot where you fell in, as that area supported your weight before.
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Get your elbows onto the ice, cross your arms, and press your head down to help lift your legs.
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Kick while pulling yourself forward, then roll or crawl to distribute your weight as you move away from the hole.
Helping others in trouble
If you witness someone falling through the ice, Baumgart advises calling 911 immediately rather than attempting a direct rescue. "If the ice isn’t strong enough to hold them, it likely won’t hold you either," he says.
Instead, he suggests staying on solid ground and using a long object—such as a stick or rope—to help pull the person to safety. "And once they’re out, keep them low to the ground and get them warm as quickly as possible."
Pet safety: Don’t risk your life
Pets can also fall through thin ice, but Baumgart warns against attempting to rescue them yourself. "If your dog or pet falls in, call 911 instead of risking your own safety. We are trained to handle these situations."
Best advice: Stay off the ice
At the end of the day, Baumgart’s strongest recommendation is simple: avoid ice altogether during the spring thaw. "We get three full months of solid ice in the winter. Now is the time to take a break and stay safe."
With ice conditions deteriorating quickly, he urges the public to enjoy other outdoor activities and wait for next winter before venturing onto frozen surfaces again.
For emergencies, always call 911. Stay safe, stay smart, and keep off the ice!