Take Care Around Thin Ice This Time Of Year

The City of Prince Albert and the Prince Albert Fire Department would like to remind everyone that rivers, streams and lakes are extremely dangerous to walk, play or drive on this time of the year. In particular, caution should be take around the North Saskatchewan River and at Little Red River Park.

“The large amount of snowfall in the area recently has made it especially deceiving and unsafe as heavy snow-cover insulates ice and prevents it from freezing evenly and quickly” said Alex Paul, Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Prince Albert. “Snow can also hide the danger signs of weak ice.”

The formation of natural ice makes it unpredictable and dangerous to even the people with training and equipment. In cold water the temperature of your heart, brain, and other vital organs drops, leading to a loss of consciousness and eventually drowning.

Please be safe and consider the following precautions to ensure that winter fun does not turn tragic:

• Always supervise children playing in an area with bodies of water and ice.
• Know the risk areas in your neighborhood.
• Never go onto naturally formed ice.
• If you see someone on river ice phone 911 immediately.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Alex Paul
Deputy Fire Chief
(306) 953-4200