In light of Vancouver’s latest cold snap some locals have taken to skating their way across local frozen over bodies of water, an activity the City of Vancouver is now warning against.
In recent days images of Vancouver skaters enjoying the new outdoor rinks have been circulating on social media. However, the city says despite the cold and the edges around some of Vancouver’s lakes/ponds seeming thick enough it isn’t safe.
“Do not go on the ice, or let your pet go on the ice, at Trout Lake, Lost Lagoon, Jericho ponds or any other body of water,” the city stated in a string of social media posts on Tuesday (Dec. 27).
The city then provided instructions on how to get out of the water should the ice break.
- Yell for help
- Reach and grab onto the ice
- Kick hard and push your stomach onto the ice
- Roll like a log on the ice
- Do not get up to walk to shore
If you can’t get yourself out, hang onto the ice and keep yelling until help comes.
- If you see someone fall through the ice:
- Call 911, do not attempt to rescue them yourself
- Yell out the self-rescue steps to the person
- Continue watching and talking to the person until helps arrives
The city also warned of letting pets on the ice, ensuring they are on a leash at all times and if they do fall through the ice to call 911. If they do fall in, do not attempt to rescue them yourself; keep an eye on them until help comes.
