(Submitted/RCMP Facebook)

By Nicole Reis

Vehicle Ice Safety

RCMP calls for more ice safety after near-tragic incident

Dec 19, 2019 | 3:05 PM

A recent incident on Dore Lake, about 115 km north of Big River, is drawing attention to ice safety.

Earlier this month, two people drove an SUV onto the lake to join other vehicles who were ice fishing. According to police, it may be expected the ice was thick enough to drive on. Local RCMP said the SUV broke through the ice, fortunately, the people inside were rescued.

“A vehicle has a substantial amount of weight and even if the ice is thick, it still depresses the ice slightly,” Saskatchewan RCMP Cpl. Rob King told meadowlakeNOW. “So, as you’re depressing the ice as you’re moving with any kind of speed, you’re creating a wave that’s actually pushed ahead of you, as you’re approaching shallow water the water can break or explode in front of you.”

(Submitted/Province of Saskatchewan)

According to King, submerged vehicles require at least two tow trucks for removal at the owners expense.

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“One of the biggest tips about ice safety is to examine the ice and to ask locals who know the ice and know the ice well,” King added.

King explained the joining of water currents tend to affect ice integrity and to specifically avoid those areas.

Reduced speeds are recommended while on ice and congregations of multiple vehicles in one area can create a potential problem.

The province recommends lake ice to be at least 12 inches in thickness before driving out on it. King said maybe thicker if you plan to bring out an expensive truck.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @nicolereis7722