VIDEO - No Ice Is Safe Ice
Drowning isn’t just a tragedy that can happen in the summer, the frigid waters lurking beneath winter ice can be even more dangerous, this why Constable Rob Kristensen from the Peel Regional Police Marine Unit says “No ice is safe ice”.
The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength. Clear blue ice is believed to be the strongest, white opaque ice is believed to be half as strong, while grey or dark ice indicates the presence of water and is unsafe. If you enjoy pond hockey, ice fishing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing, would you know what to do if you fell through the ice?
The Peel Regional Police Marine Unit consists of nine constables and one sergeant. They work year round and train for various possible situations including ice rescue scenarios to stay sharp should the need arise.
During a recent training session, a team of our Media Relations Officers were able to play the victims and experience the different techniques used during an ice rescue on Lake Ontario.
The three techniques used are:
- Self-Rescue – Conscious victim.
- Shore Based or Boat Based Throw Rescue– Conscious victim.
- Go Rescue – Unconscious victim.
In 2018 the Marine Unit responded to 93 calls for service, of which 6 were ice related. To get a glimpse of them in action watch our Ice Rescue Video.
For more information on how we’re helping to keep our community safe, please visit our website.
