1. Use Designated Ice Surfaces:
Many communities have designated ponds for activities such as skating that are maintained by knowledgeable personnel. Designated ice should be regularly tested to ensure that it is thick enough and strong enough for recreational use.
2. Always Actively Supervise Children Playing On or Near Ice:
Children should always be under active adult supervision. Children that aren't within arm's reach have ventured too far. Insist that they wear a lifejacket/PFD or thermal protection buoyant suit.
3. Stay off River Ice:
Avoid moving water and stay off water bodies with changing water levels. River currents can quickly change ice thickness over night or between different parts of the river.
4. Never Go onto Ice Alone:
A buddy may be able to rescue you, or go for help if you get into difficulty. Before you leave shore, tell someone where you are going and expected time of return. However, rescuing another person from the ice can be dangerous. The safest way to perform a rescue is from the shore. If you see someone in trouble, encourage them to safety, and call 911.
5. Avoid Traveling on Ice at Night:
At night it is very difficult to see open holes in the ice. This is a frequent cause of snowmobile drownings.
6. Spring Ice is Rotten Ice:
Stop using the ice once spring thaws begin. Even if ice measures at the right thickness (minimum 10 cm or 4 inches for walking or skating alone), thawing and refreezing during spring weakens the ice vertically. The ice can no longer be trusted.
7. Wear a Lifejacket Over Your Snow Suit:
Wear a lifejacket or PFD over your snowmobile suit or layered winter clothes to increase your survival chances if you do go through the ice.
8. Take Safety Equipment with You:
Include ice picks, ice staff, rope, and a small personal safety kit in your pocket, which should include a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocketknife, compass, whistle and a cell phone.
9. Avoid Alcohol:
Alcohol impairs your judgment and speeds up the development of hypothermia.
10. If You're Driving on Ice, Have an Escape Plan:
Open your windows, unlock your doors, ensure seat belts are unfastened and turn on your lights to allow you to quickly escape from your vehicle should it go through the ice.
When measuring the ice, measure ice thickness in several locations!
Local conditions such as currents, location, and time of year can affect ice thickness. Consult knowledgeable local individuals. White ice has air or snow within it and should be considered suspect for recreational use.
Other environmental factors also affect ice thickness such as the size and depth of the body of water; moving water (i.e. currents, drainage, runoff), snow cover, chemicals including salt, fluctuations in water levels, logs, rocks and docks absorbing heat from the sun, changing air temperature and shock waves from vehicles travelling on the ice.
Recommendations for ice thickness are based on clear, blue or green ice:
Please check local area signage, authorities and media before going onto the ice. No ice is without risk.
For detailed tips on staying safe in, on, and around the water and ice, check out our Water Smart® Fact Sheets!
These sheets are free to download and use, and include facts and safety tips on water safety themes.
Cold Water Shock |
Ice Activities |
Ice Safety |
Working on Ice |
Spring Ice |
Choosing Safe Ice Surfaces |
To learn more about how to be safe in, on, and around water and ice, take our free online Water Smart® Advocate course!
