By Nathalie Vallières Martin
Surrounded by the Ottawa River, Rideau River and the Ottawa Rideau Canal, Lowertown residents enjoy some of the best outdoor spaces in the city. In the winter months, many of our favorite outdoor activities take place near or on the ice. As much as we love to skate, toboggan, snowshoe or walk our dogs on or along our waterways, these leisurely activities can become life threatening if the proper precautions are not taken. Ice usually appears mid fall and can remain well into the spring. When taking a nature walk, keep a safe distance from the river banks and do not walk on any of the many ice-covered waterways or ponds. The Rideau Canal is monitored by the NCC – do not attempt to get a head start on the skating season until the NCC allows for safe access.
It is always best to keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice. Many ice-related accidents in urban settings happen when dogs wander off leash. Unleashed dogs run onto the ice and people chase after them, leading to severe injury or death. All children should also be made aware of the dangers of ice. Just like in the summer months, children need to be supervised near and around water, frozen or not. Lastly, if a person or an animal falls through ice into water, call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.
For more information about ice safety and hypothermia prevention, visit redcross.ca or http://www.lifesavingsociety.com