Calgary, AB,

Calgary Fire Department shares ice safety tips

With the warmer weather, Calgarians are reminded to keep ice safety in mind when around frozen lakes, ponds and rivers.

“Because we have extreme temperature fluctuations in Calgary, ice conditions on waterways can be quite dangerous,” said Carol Henke, Public Information Officer, Calgary Fire Department. “We advise all Calgarians to stay off all ice-covered waterways.

The Calgary Fire Department recommends the following safety tips when planning activities around frozen lakes, ponds and rivers.

  • Keep a safe distance: When walking around ice-covered waterways, keep a safe distance from river banks and lake shores - as you would any time of year.
  • Ice thickness can be deceiving: Do not walk on ice-covered lakes or ponds. It is difficult to assess if the ice will be thick enough to hold the weight of a person or animal.
  • Avoid skating on lakes and ponds: For outdoor skating, it’s safest to use the designated City of Calgary outdoor rinks. For locations and to see what’s still open,
  • Call 9-1-1 if you see someone in trouble: If a person or an animal falls through ice into water, call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.

If you do fall through ice and into water

  • Stay calm and shout for help: Try to stay calm, control your breathing, keep your head above the water and shout for help.
  • Try to pull yourself on the ice shelf: Keep your hands on the ice shelf, kick your legs and try to pull yourself up on the ice and onto your stomach. Once out of the water, roll toward shore where the ice might be thicker
  • Continue to shout for help: If you can’t get out of the water in less than 10 minutes, stop kicking and trying to pull yourself out. Instead, anchor yourself to the ice shelf and continue to shout for help.

Witnessing someone in trouble on ice

If you witness someone on ice or falling through ice into the water, stay back and call 9-1-1. Encourage the person in the water to kick their legs while trying to pull themselves out of the water. If possible, reach or throw an aid such as a branch, hockey stick, or rope. If the person can get out of the water and is still on ice, tell them to roll towards the shore, not to walk.

Fore more information on ice and water safety, please visit