Be wary of ice conditions

While the mercury may be dipping below freezing, Durham police are advising residents that they should still be cautious around waterways throughout the region, as the changing temperature have made them unsafe and unpredictable.

The ice along the shorelines of Lake Scugog, Lake Simcoe and Lake Ontario can be very thin, posing a danger for children and pets.

Police say that the colour of the ice can indicate if it’s safe to walk on. Clear blue ice is the strongest ice, followed by opaque ice caused by wet snow freezing on the ice. If the ice appears grey, it is not safe, as it shows liquid water is still present.

Police also warn against going alone on the ice, and if you find yourself alone on unsafe ice, call for help. Rather than attempting to climb out of the water where you fell, police advise floating on your stomach and grabbing a stronger piece of ice to pull yourself on to, using your legs to push yourself up. Once back on the ice, spread your weight out rather than standing up, as it may still be unstable.

Finally, police say that if you find yourself having to rescue someone who has fallen through the ice, it is best to do it from a solid surface such as the shore, and to call 9-1-1 for emergency services for assistance.