Local aquatic company issues reminder about ice safety over holiday season

Amidst the aftermath of Thursday’s blizzard and as the temperatures continue to drop, it’s more important than ever to touch up on our ice safety this holiday season.

“I mean, right now, your camera can see it in the background. We really can’t see the ice, and that is a huge danger sign,” said Christopher Love, president of Wavecrest Aquatics Inc.

“Really, planning ahead is super important for people if they are thinking of doing any ice activities because ice is never 100 per cent safe. You can go out on the ice same spot multiple times. First time you’re fine. Second time is a little bit risky. Third time, you might go through.”

Love recommends bringing something that can help you float. Either a life jacket or a floater coat. He also suggests ice picks and a pealess plastic whistle in case of an accident.

“What’s gonna happen when you hit that cold water, you’re gonna hyperventilate. You’re gonna go into cold shock, and it’s gonna be like gassssp,” Love explained.

If you do fall in, Love says make sure you go back the way you came. The ice will be stronger, then get your arms up over the edge and kick your feet like you’re swimming, and belly slide onto the ice. But make sure the ice isn’t covered in snow.

“This blizzard is not helping either. Because snow on top of the ice. People think well, snow. It’s cold. But snow is actually an insulator. It actually prevents good ice formation. Cause it acts like a blanket. It traps heat into the water. And so again the ice doesn’t form,” said Love.

For more information, you can visit the Wavecrest Aquatics website or refer to the City of Winnipeg website for more ways to stay safe this winter.