RCMP calls for more ice safety after near-tragic incident

By Nicole Reis, meadowlakeNOW

A recent incident on Dore Lake, about 115 km north of Big River, is drawing attention to ice safety.

On Dec. 9 two people drove an SUV onto the lake to join other vehicles who were ice fishing. According to police, RCMP said it broke through the ice and the people inside were rescued.

(Government of Saskatchewan)

“A vehicle has a substantial amount of weight and even if the ice is thick, it still depresses the ice slightly,” Saskatchewan RCMP Cpl. Rob King told meadowlakeNOW. “So, as you’re depressing the ice as you’re moving with any kind of speed, you’re creating a wave that’s actually pushed ahead of you, as you’re approaching shallow water the water can break or explode in front of you.”

According to King, submerged vehicles require at least two tow trucks for removal at the owners expense.

“One of the biggest tips about ice safety is to examine the ice and to ask locals who know the ice and know the ice well,” King added.

King explained the joining of water currents tend to affect ice integrity and to specifically avoid those areas.

Reduced speeds are recommended while on ice and congregations of multiple vehicles in one area can create a potential problem.

The province recommends lake ice to be at least 12 inches in thickness before driving out on it. King said maybe thicker if you plan to bring out an expensive truck.