Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue is urging residents to stay clear of dangerous shelf ice along public beaches and shorelines.
Do not walk on shelf ice along public beaches or shorelines. Shelf ice is the frozen layer of ice that forms along the shoreline of lakes and rivers. While it may look solid, shelf ice can be thin or hollow underneath and collapse without warning.
Anyone who falls through the ice faces immediate risk of cold-water immersion, and entrapment which can lead to rapid hypothermia and drowning. In addition, rescue efforts in these conditions are challenging and put first responders at significant risk.
Stay safe this winter:
- Stay away from shorelines where shelf ice is present.
- Educate children about the hazards of shelf ice and supervise children while enjoying the outdoors.
- Always keep pets leashed.
No ice is safe ice, for your safety and the safety of emergency responders, always stay off shelf ice.
For more information contact Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue at 613.476.2345, or email fire@pecounty.on.ca