Over the last five years in Manitoba, an estimated 60 vehicles have fallen through thin/unsafe ice during early December and spring, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. Ice fishing should be a fun activity – not life threatening.
Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to use common sense on the ice. If you’re going skating or ice fishing with a group, stay off ice that’s less than four inches thick. As a general rule, avoid ice that has cracks or ice near inlets or moving water. If you’re not familiar with an area, be sure to talk to the locals because ice is rarely the same thickness all the way across a body of water and can change.
If you’re going ice fishing it may also be a good idea to check with a local expert about ice safety. Bait shops or lakeside businesses may know about the ice conditions. Always be safe and don’t put yourself or vehicles at risk.
Ice Thickness Permissible Load:
- 3 inches – Single person on foot
- 4 inches – Group in single file
- 7.5 inches – Passenger car (2-ton gross)
- 8 inches – Light truck
- 10 inches – Medium truck
