News release

Ice safety

January 22, 2025 - Whistler, British Columbia
From: Whistler RCMP

Content

The Resort Municipality of Whistler and surrounding areas have many lakes and ponds. These lakes and ponds all have unique ice characteristics, freeze and thaw at different times in different locations and can be very unpredictable.

The Sea to Sky (Whistler) RCMP is reminding residents and visitors to prioritize safety when enjoying outdoor activities. “No ice or body of water is ever entirely safe,” says Constable Antoine Graebling, Media Relations Officer with the Sea to Sky (Whistler) RCMP. “Anyone enjoying recreational activities near a body of water must make their personal safety a top priority. Remember to make smart, educated choices about water safety, and it will keep both you and the responding emergency services personnel out of danger.”

The following are a few safety tips that can help keep you safe:

• Know the condition of the ice before you go out and take into consideration the recent changes the weather may have had.
• Never go out on the ice alone.
• Tell someone your plans, where you are going and what time you are expected back.
• Be prepared with an emergency kit.
• Refer to the ice thickness card from the Canadian Life Saving Society.

 For more safety tips and information, refer to the Lifesaving Society website at Ice Safety Education | The Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon.

Most importantly, have fun and stay safe!

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