‘No ice is safe ice’; Ottawa Police warn public of dangers amid multiple 911 calls

Ottawa police are asking the public to stay safe by staying off the ice as temperatures keep rising.

“With spring-like temperatures, ice is quickly melting and becoming more unstable,” wrote police in a media release. “In the past two weeks, multiple 911 calls have been received regarding people or animals venturing out onto the ice.”

The Ottawa Police Marine Dive and Trails Unit says that ice is inherently dangerous at this time of year and is always unpredictable.

They also have the following suggestions to stay safe:

• Always supervise children playing outside who may wander or want to play near bodies of water — a child can drown in less than two inches of water;
• Falling into water at this time of year can lead to hypothermia and even death;
• Cold water temperatures can stop even strong swimmers from escaping once they’ve fallen through the ice.

Police say not to follow anyone, including pets, that goes onto a frozen waterway that may be dangerous. Call 911 for help.

In January, the Ottawa Fire Service released a video that shows what to do if you do fall into the ice.