Stay clear of beautiful, but highly dangerous ice

Ice off the shore of Sandbanks Provincial Park. – Sue Capon photo

Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue is urging people to stay clear of shelf ice and ice volcanoes found at this time of year along public beaches and shorelines.

Shelf ice is an unstable frozen layer of ice that builds from the land out to the water, without freezing to the lake or river bottom. Ice volcanoes are smaller scale, conical, hollow mounds of frozen spray that erupt water and slush on top of existing ice shelves. In some cases, there can be a drop of six to 10 feet, or more to the frigid water. Ice volcanoes are common on the shores of the Great Lakes.

“Do not walk on shelf ice along public beaches or shorelines,” the warning states. “While it may look solid, the ice can be thin or hollow underneath and collapse without warning.

Anyone who falls through the ice faces immediate risk of cold-water immersion, and entrapment which can lead to rapid hypothermia and drowning. In addition, rescue efforts in these conditions are challenging and put first responders at significant risk.”

People are advised to stay away from shorelines where shelf ice is present; educate children about the hazards of shelf ice and supervise them while enjoying the outdoors. Also, always keep pets leashed to avoid tragedy.