Cold weather is coming but will it be enough to freeze the favorite skating spot?  This winter’s up and down temperatures have certainly created a challenge when it comes to outdoor ice surfaces.  Now with extreme cold temperatures there will no doubt be a lot of folks excited to strap on the blades and go for a glide.  Question is, will a couple days of cold be enough for the ice to be safe?  That is where the thickness checks and guidelines come into play.  I found an ice safety thickness chart and also safe thicknesses suggested by the Canadian Red Cross.  The Red Cross thickness for safe ice is pretty simple, 15cm thick ice or more before it is safe.

Ice Safety – Know the dangers of ice

 

Now this chart from Canadian Yachting shows some thinner ice but it gives you a visual of what is needed to safely enjoy time on the ice.  This is for strong clear ice only!

 

So you check the ice thickness and you determine things are safe to enjoy a skate, but you find a thin spot and end up in the water.  What do you do?
First, you should not be alone and hopefully those with you can help you out and get you to warmth.  But I want to cover the just in case the worst scenario takes place so we know what to do.
This guys walks us through what to do if you fall through.  Information we will hopefully never need.
Stay safe in the cold weather and have a great weekend.