Ice safety education event for residents

With hundreds of lakes throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality, it’s only natural in the winter for residents to explore the natural surroundings.

But a danger could be lurking underneath our waterways. When is it safe to walk or skate on our ice surfaces?

That question will be answered tomorrow (Feb. 12) at Lions Beach Park in Dartmouth (beginning at 10:30 a.m.), as several multi-jurisdictional ice safety representatives will be on hand to relay important tips to the public.

Whether it’s testing ice thickness, learning how to save yourself if you fall into the icy waters, or knowing what to do if you see someone accidentally break through the ice, representatives will demonstrate the proper techniques and steps to stay safe or execute a successful rescue.

The following partners in public safety will be on hand:

• Halifax Regional Municipality Transportation and Public Works – Demonstrating ice testing techniques
• Canadian Red Cross – Discussing recommendations for appropriate ice thickness
• Emergency Health Services paramedics – Discussing cold weather health tips
• Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency – Demonstrating enhanced ice rescue techniques
• Halifax Search and Rescue – Demonstrating self-rescue techniques
• Halifax Regional Police – Discussing what to do if you see someone fall through the ice

Each winter, the municipality regularly tests ice thickness at more than 80 lakes in the Halifax region, primarily in the urban core. Ice thickness reports for lakes tested by the municipality are available to the public atHalifax.ca or by calling 902-490-3577. Reports are updated weekly, weather depending.

The Canadian Red Cross recommends ice be at least 15 centimetres thick for individual skating and at least 20 centimetres for group skating.

For more information on ice safety considerations, visit: https://www.halifax.ca/recreation/programs-activities/skating/ice-thickness

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Source : Media Release