In light of a tragedy on Monday (February 20) that claimed the life of a six year old boy, the subject of ice safety is on many minds in Airdrie.

Linda Masson, Deputy Chief with the Airdrie Fire Department, says the safest thing is to simply avoid natural ice surfaces.

"Airdrie Fire Department really continues to stress that the natural waterways and ponds are unpredictable and dangerous, so we please encourage people not to go out on the ice surfaces."

Masson says even with the recent cold weather, it is difficult to be certain that ice surfaces are safe.

"Even with the colder temperatures, the snow cover can insulate the ice and prevent it from refreezing solidly. So even though it can appear solid, it can still be weak."

Masson also said that it is important to keep pets on leashes near frozen bodies of water.

"They too can run out onto the ice surface and go through, and then people can find themselves in a really dangerous situation trying to rescue a pet."

If you need to go skating, Masson says the best bet is to take advantage of the many outdoor constructed rinks and utilize public skate times at City facilities around Airdrie.

 

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