It’s a good idea to ask locals about ice conditions before testing out your winter activities on area lakes.
Constable Diana Cole says OPP are reminding people to make sure you know the ice conditions before heading out on frozen bodies of water.
OPP suggest you always let someone know when you will be out on the ice and test it before you go out.
She says you should keep off the ice if it’s three inches thick or less.
The Lifesaving Society explains there needs to be at least four inches, or 10 cm of ice before it’s safe for ice fishing, walking or cross-country skiing. If you want to bring a snowmobile on, they recommend the ice be at least 12 cm thick. For a car or small pickup, it should be at least a foot deep, while for a truck it should be almost two feet before it’s safe.
