“People need to be aware that ice thickness may vary, so keeping your eyes and ears tuned to changes in ice conditions, such as weak or dark patches, is really important,” he stressed.

“The best place for snowmobiling is on land, but if traveling on ice is unavoidable, drivers must ensure adequate ice thickness and wear a personal flotation device. Snowmobiles can travel at high speeds and drivers may not have time to spot danger and react appropriately.”

Here’s a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Ice Safety - Ensure adequate ice thickness first; 15 cm for walking or skating, 20 cm for skating parties or hockey and 25 cm for snowmobiling. Ice is not safe when it forms over any moving body of water, including rivers, streams and lakes with currents.
• Ice Rescue – Use a hockey stick, pole, rope, belt or scarf to reach out to a person who has fallen through ice. Try to avoid venturing on the ice yourself, but if you must, roll or crawl out, lay flat and stay a safe distance from the edge of the ice.
• Hypothermia – a silent killer. If hypothermia occurs, keep the victim warm, dry and still. Take the patient to the hospital immediately and never give alcohol to a person with hypothermia.
• Be Prepared – Prepare before going outdoors and know what to do if the weather changes quickly. Dress in layers and wear a hat; 60 per cent of body heat is lost through the head. Check the weather forecast and always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.