Water Rescue Team warns of unstable ice hazards

With winter conditions expected to persist over the next month, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) urges residents to stay off frozen waterways. 

Unstable ice poses a serious risk. Lethbridge’s fluctuating temperatures and frequent Chinook winds can cause rapid changes in ice thickness, making frozen water surfaces extremely dangerous. 

To prepare for potential emergencies, the department’s Water Rescue Team conducted ice rescue scenario training sessions at Legacy Park in February. 

“The ice may look solid, but it can be unpredictable and dangerous,” says Charles Schoening, Water Rescue Team Lead with LFES.  “Our team trains year-round to respond to water-related emergencies, but the best way to stay safe is by preventing accidents before they happen.”

To prevent tragic incidents, LFES reminds residents to follow these key safety precautions: 

1. Stay away from ice
   Avoid the Oldman River, urban lakes and storm ponds at all times. River ice is unpredictable due to currents and fluctuating water levels, while storm pond ice is unstable and prohibited for any use.
   
   
2. Use Designated Areas
   Outdoor skating is permitted only in designated areas at Henderson Lake, Nicholas Sheran Lake, and Legacy Pond. During the winter, City staff monitor these areas weekly to ensure ice thickness meets safety standards. The latest conditions can be found here.
   
   
3. Protect Your Pets
   Keep pets on a leash near frozen water. If your pet falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue. Call 9-1-1 immediately, and our trained responders will help.
   
   
4. Know What to Do in an Emergency
   If someone falls through the ice, call 9-1-1 right away. Do not go onto the ice yourself. Instead, use a branch, rope or similar object to help from a safe distance. You can also throw something that floats, like a life jacket or cushion, to assist them until help arrives.

“Once someone falls through the ice, time is critical,” says Warren Molnar, Firefighter-Paramedic. “Cold water causes hypothermia within minutes, limiting the person’s ability to move and increasing the risk of drowning.”

“Every winter, we see people taking unnecessary risks by walking, skating or allowing pets near frozen waterways,” says Jim Anderson, LFES Firefighter-Paramedic. “One wrong step can lead to a life-threatening situation.”

LFES reminds residents that no ice is ever completely safe, especially in Lethbridge’s rapidly changing climate. 

By staying informed and following safety measures, we can prevent emergencies and keep our community safe. 

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