Check the Ice

Wednesday, 6 January 2016 at 17:17

Those looking to ice fish will have to wait a little longer with mild weather in the forecast

OXFORD COUNTY - If you are looking to enjoy time on the ice this winter there are tips to remember.

With Oxford County receiving its first blast of real cold air earlier in the week many are itching to start ice fishing. OPP Constable Lisa Narancsik says you first have to check the ice. "We need to make sure that the ice has frozen and it is at the appropriate thickness, which is around 20cm of clear blue ice. Make sure that people know where you are going, because if something does happen they know where to start looking, or where to notify police to start looking for the people if they have an incident on the water."

Before you head on the frozen lake take a look at your surroundings, and Constable Narancsik is reminding the public on what to take if you are planning on hitting the ice. "They should be carrying survival items, if you have got a snowmobile you should be able to have some type of a pack with you. If you are ice fishing make sure that you have survival items, they could carry flames, waterproof flashlights, a whistle that would easily attract attention, ice picks, carrying a fully charged cell phones, and last but not least avoid alcohol consumption."

Although it may be fun it is essential to remember a few things, and OPP Constable Lisa Narancsik offers tips in what to do if hypothermia begins, and what parents should tell their children before going out. "If they have blankets, plastic sheets once they get the person out to warm them until they get the help that they need. Parents should make sure that they are reviewing safety rules with kids, so that they can get the children the help that they need because hypothermia can set in very quickly." Narancsik adds flames are important when going out ice picks and a fully charged cell phone and tell people where you are going incase you don't return. With mild weather in the forecast it appears ice fishing enthusiasts will have to wait a little while longer.