While skating and playing on frozen waterways may seem tempting during this cold snap on Vancouver Island, search and rescue officials are advising people to do so with extreme caution.
Sandra Riches is the BC Coordinator with AdventureSmart. She says its important for youth to do their homework before stepping foot on any frozen ponds or lakes.
Riches says the ice should be at least 4 inches thick to be considered safe for walking, playing or skating. She says to check the thickness of the ice in multiple areas and avoid white ice – which has snow or air within it.
A good tip is to wear an emergency whistle on your jacket zipper.
She also advises anyone young children playing on ice to wear a life jacket as a precaution.
For more information, you can visit adventuresmart.ca
