The York Regional Police Marine Unit would like to remind you of the importance of staying safe this winter season in any outdoor activity you do. Through awareness, enforcement and public education, all residents can enjoy a safe winter season.

The fluctuating temperatures we have experienced over the last week has prompted York Regional Police to warn the public that lakes and streams are not frozen and NOT SAFE. There are still many areas of open water on Lake Simcoe and ice fishermen and snowmobilers are reminded that conditions are still too dangerous to be out on the ice.

York Regional Police is also reminding parents to be diligent and to teach their children to stay away from lakes and streams. The recent heavy rain and melting snow has resulted in higher water levels and faster-flowing currents. Be cautious around any body of water until it is completely frozen. Ice covered streams and ponds remain dangerous.

Remember no ice is completely safe. Any individual who decides to go out onto a frozen body of water must make a personal decision to do so, realizing that there is a degree of risk associated with this choice. Ice seldom freezes at a uniform rate. What constitutes a safe depth of ice is difficult to apply in all cases. While three inches of ice on a farm pond may pose little danger, that same three inches on a moving stream or lake with currents could be very dangerous. On any lake, one step from three-foot ice may lead to nothing more than skim ice on the next step. It is crucial that citizens considering recreation on the ice take individual responsibility in evaluating the quality and soundness of the ice on the particular body of water in question.

Follow these safety precautions:

- Wear proper floatation attire
- Don’t fish or snowmobile alone
- Tell someone about your plans and specifically where you are going.
- Know the condition of the ice before you go out and take into consideration the recent changes the weather may have had on the ice
- Be suspicious of gray, dark or porous spots in the ice as these may be soft areas. Ice is generally strongest where it is hard and blue

York Regional Police reminds the public that snowmobiling and ice-fishing are inherently risky activities occurring in an uncontrolled and unpredictable natural setting. If you make smart, educated choices on safety, accidents can be prevented.

For more information and safety tips, contact the York Regional Police Marine Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext 7300.