Ice conditions on local lakes become treacherous as spring weather sets in. Local residents should check ice conditions carefully before venturing out.

Snowmobilers traveling across frozen water should also take extra caution as spring ice can be particularly unsafe.

When planning to snowmobile over water and ice the Canadian Red Cross recommend an ice thickness of at least 25 centimetres thick [10 inches]. For ice fishing, skating or just walking, it is recommended that ice thickness should be greater than 15 centimetres [6 inches].

If walking in a group or playing games such as hockey the ice should be at least 20 centimetres thick [7.8 inches].

As the ice thickness varies from section to section it is also important to pay close attention to the colour of the ice ahead of you.

The Canadian Red Cross say that ice colour  is an indication of its strength. Clear blue ice being the strongest. White opaque ice is half as strong as blue ice while grey ice, which indicates the presence of water, is very unsafe.

Bring emergency equipment with you including a cell phone, a whistle, a first aid kit an ice pick and a rope.

Heath Canada say that falling through ice on frozen bodies of water can not only cause severe injuries, but can also cause hypothermia or death from drowning. They recommend never traveling on frozen bodies of water alone and also recommend wearing a personal flotation device or a life jacket as well as a body suit that prevents hypothermia.

Health Canada also recommend never travel on ice at night.

If you fall through ice and you're by yourself, the Canadian Red Cross say to resist the immediate urge to climb back out where you fell in as the ice is weak in this area. Use the air trapped in your clothing to get into a floating position on your stomach and reach forward onto the broken ice without pushing down then kick your legs to push your torso on the ice.

When you are back on the ice, crawl on your stomach or roll away from the open area with your arms and legs spread out as far as possible to evenly distribute your body weight and most importantly, do not stand up near the broken ice.

Rescuing another person who has fallen through the ice can also be dangerous. First call for help from trained professionals such as police, fire fighters or paramedics.

If you have to go on to the ice, wear a life jacket and carry a long pole or branch to test the ice in front of you. Bring something to reach the person like a pole or a tree branch.

When near the break, lie down to distribute your weight and slowly crawl toward the hole and have the person kick while you pull them out.