YELLOWKNIFE (November 4, 2013) – With water activities and boating now ended for the season, the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT) reminds residents that drownings can still occur and we all need to make healthy choices to keep ourselves and our families safe.

Minister of Transportation Tom Beaulieu reminds those who cross rivers and lakes during the winter that there need to be at least four inches of stable ice under your feet,  six inches under your snowmobile and eight inches under your vehicle before you can safely cross on the ice. “Every year we see people starting trails on the ice before it has been tested and this is a dangerous practice,” Minister Beaulieu said. “This is of particular importance when vehicles and snowmobiles are on the ice before it is safe, putting the driver and passengers and their rescuers at risk.” The Minister also reminds people that it is dangerous and illegal to drive on an ice crossing before it is open.

Here are some ways you can keep yourself and members of your family safe from drowning this winter:

1. Those in Yellowknife should heed the warnings of the Yellowknife Fire Department on ice conditions. In other parts of the territory, wait to cross the ice until it has been tested for both thickness and suitability. Contact your community government for information on ice testing in your community;
2. When crossing the ice on foot, ensure you are walking on clear, blue, or green ice, and not on snow which creates an insulating barrier that can keep the ice below unsafe. In the early and late parts of winter, consider wearing a personal flotation device to provide additional warmth and buoyancy;
3. Be aware that even the most cautious person could go through the ice. Think about what you would do if that were to occur and what you would want with you (ice picks, rope, staff, whistle, waterproof matches, etc.);
4. Carry dry clothes in a water-tight container in case you are submerged and need to get out of your wet clothes;
5. Walk only where you are confident that others would see you if you go through the ice; and
6. When driving equipment on the ice, ensure that you are wearing a floater suit for warmth and buoyancy. Never work alone, and always wear occupant restraints.

 

The Drowning Prevention Action Plan is delivered through a collaboration between the GNWT Departments of Health and Social Services; Municipal and Community Affairs; Industry, Tourism and Investment; Education, Culture and Employment; and Transportation under the Healthy Choices Framework, together with the Coroner’s Office, the NWT and Nunavut Workers’ Safety and Compensation Commission, and our external partners the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the NWT, Parachute Canada, Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons, Dene Nation, and the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation.

The Healthy Choices Framework is a Government of Northwest Territories initiative to encourage and support safe and healthy choices by investing in prevention, education and awareness, a priority of the 17^th Assembly.

For more information:

Earl Blacklock
Manager of Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Transportation
Tel:         (867) 873-7712
Cell:       (867) 445-3494
Email:    earl_blacklock@gov.nt.ca