With night-time temperatures freezing natural water surfaces in Airdrie and warm day time temperatures melting them, any ice seen in Airdrie is not safe to walk on.

 The Airdrie Fire Department reminds the public that there is absolutely no situation where crossing the ice is a safe option.

Garth Rabel, Deputy Chief with the Airdrie Fire Department, said that it is especially dangerous around this time of year.

"It's an extremely dangerous practice. We can't be reckless with our safety this way. We need to be avoiding these waterways at this immediate time simply because the ice is so unpredictable."

If someone falls through the ice, the first thing they will be met with is freezing water. Rabel said this can be dangerous for anyone not expecting to end up wet.

"They're not going to be thinking rationally, they're going to be thrashing and trying to get out. You just need to avoid the waterways in general."

Rabel said that, although the ice is safer in the colder, winter months, no time of year is completely safe to be walking on natural water surfaces.

"We haven't deviated from our response that the only safe ice to be skating on is the manmade ice that's been put in place by our parks and recreation and public work folks for the community. That's truly the only ice that we can say is going to be safe. Natural waterways are used at your own risk and never a good idea."

Instead, Rabel encourages the public to take advantage of manmade ice rinks when they open up.

"Come up with some collaborative, safer ways to have fun this winter and stay off the ice."

He also warned pet owners to make sure they are keeping their pets under control when near ice surfaces.

"If they become a victim, then we've got a second victim going in potentially to help them. Just keep them  on a leash and be aware."

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