Thin ice warning should be taken seriously

As Saskatchewan prepares for unavoidable flooding this spring, the Lifesaving Society wishes to remind all residents of the danger of flood water and ice melts.

"This is a very dangerous time of year for everyone. There are open bodies of water appearing in places we normally walk or drive through such as back alleys, highways, ditches and fields. Not only do we have to remember that the ice is no longer safe to walk on but we have to navigate around all of the flooded areas", says CEO Shelby Rushton.

Everyone should take extra precautions. Keep pets on a leash, keep children within arms reach and consider doing indoor recreational activities with the kids until the temporary lake in your yard or alley dries up and do not attempt to walk on any remaining ice or though any large pools of open water.

Motorists should also take extra precaution while driving. Slow down when driving near ditches or fields with water and do not attempt to drive through a flooding roadway.

In the last six years, there have been over twelve drowning fatalities due to vehicle submersion and several near-fatalities.

If someone does fall through thin ice or into open water, do not panic and do not approach the hole or the same thing may happen to you. First, call 911. Then, assist from a distance with encouragement and a long assist - a rope, ladder, long tree branch, etc. Do NOT enter the water or on to the ice to rescue the victim. When the victim grabs the assist, pull gently to ease him or her out of the water. Help the individual to safety (firm ground), approach and remove the person's wet clothing when dry garments are available, and seek emergency assistance if necessary. Remember - reach or throw, but don't go.

The Lifesaving Society is a national, charitable organization working to prevent drowning and water-related injuries through water safety education and training, lifeguard training, research and advocacy.

With more than 100 years of experience in water safety and rescue, the Lifesaving Society is your first source for information.