**** HRM Media Release
Residents urged to exercise caution on lakes and ponds across the region
The Halifax Regional Municipality and Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency are urging residents to make sure ice is thick enough before venturing out for a skate or hike on lakes across the region.
Temperatures are expected to climb over the coming days, which will have a direct impact on ice thickness. Although the municipality has an ice thickness testing program each winter, residents are always urged to assess each situation and conditions before stepping onto frozen water.
During the winter months, ice thickness reports for more than 70 lakes tested by the municipality are available to the public online at https://www.halifax.ca/recreation/programs-activities/skating/ice-thickness, or by calling 902-490-3577. Reports are updated weekly, pending weather conditions.
The Canadian Red Cross recommends that ice be at least 15 centimeters thick for individual skating, and at least 20 centimeters thick for group skating. Extreme caution is advised in areas where streams flow into and out of lakes. It is also important to note that ice conditions may vary over the entire surface of lakes and are subject to change with weather conditions.