In wintertime, many of Canada’s millions of lakes and ponds call many adventurers to come out and play. Frozen bodies of water offer great opportunities for sports such as ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating and snowmobiling. Because no ice surface is without some risk, ensure you become ice aware and take all necessary precautions before you venture out. If not, you could literally find yourself on thin ice!

The recommended minimum depth for activities on new, clear, hard ice is:

• Stay calm and think out a solution.
  
• Don't run up to the hole. You might break through and then you’ll both need help.
  
• Use an item to throw or extend to your friend to pull them out of the water – if you don’t have a rope, improvise with items such as jumper cables, skis, etc.
  
• If you can't rescue your buddy immediately, call 911 on a cell phone.

Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism (banner); Government of Yukon/C. Archbould