O.P.P Warns the Public to Take Precaution Around the Ice (BLIND RIVER, ON) – The East Algoma Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to multiple calls for service related to ice safety. The OPP wants to ensure, that the public practices proper ice safety. With the mild weather that occurred during the month of December and the January 9, 2024, snow fall, local lakes and rivers in the area have a thin layer of ice and may not be safe to venture onto. Residents must take caution regarding thin ice conditions on area waterways. Many factors affect ice thickness including:• Type of water• Time of year• Water depth and size of body of water• Currents, tides, and other moving water• Logs, rocks, and shoals absorbing heat from the sun• Changing air temperature Ice does not freeze at uniform thickness throughout the body of water. When ice forms early and may look safe, it is likely not thick, strong, or stable enough to support much weight. Thickness should be checked regularly as you move further onto the ice. Anyone considering venturing out on ice covered bodies of water for recreational activities should do so with an experienced outdoor enthusiast who is familiar with local conditions and water currents. Children should not play near or on ice covered bodies of water unless supervised by an experienced, safety-conscious person. Remember “No ice is safe ice”, venturing out onto unsafe ice puts your life and those of the first responders at risk”. For more information on ice safety go to www.redcross.ca Contact: Provincial Constable Bev GauthierCommunity Safety Officer/Media Officer Phone: (705) 356-2244 Ext. 7155Email: beverley.gauthier@opp.cawww.opp.ca