York Regional Police warn residents about unsafe ice conditions on Lake Simcoe

By: Mike Anderson

York Regional Police is warning residents about unsafe ice conditions on Lake Simcoe and surrounding bodies of water as spring weather brings higher temperatures.

The warning follows the loss of a pickup truck that went through the ice on Thursday, March 11, approximately 500 metres off shore from De La Salle Park. 

According to police, two men were towing an ice hut off the lake when their truck struck a pressure crack.  Within minutes, the truck went through the ice.

Fortunately, the two men escaped without injuries, and were able to walk to shore, escorted by the Georgina Fire Department’s Marine Rescue Unit.

“Each year, members of the YRP Marine Unit respond to calls of people, vehicles and pets that have fallen through the ice. Citizens are reminded to keep pets and children away from all ice surfaces during these times where the ice is melting,” said YRP Cons. Laura Nicolle in a media release. 

“No surface of ice or body of water is ever completely safe. It is crucial that citizens take individual responsibility in evaluating the dangers of any recreational activity. If you make educated choices regarding safety, accidents can be prevented.”

YRP is offering the following safety tips:

• Know the condition of the ice before you go out and remember that changes in the weather can rapidly alter conditions on lakes and streams

• Wear proper clothing and floatation attire

• Never venture out onto the lake alone

• Ensure you have a cell phone with a fully-charged battery in the event of an emergency

• Tell someone where you are going, with whom and what time you will return

Const. Nicolle reminds Ice fishing enthusiasts that all fishing huts must be removed from Lake Simcoe by midnight on Monday, March 15, 2021. 

YRP and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) will be enforcing this regulation. 

Const. Nicolle also urges ice fishers to remove garbage and other materials.

“Every year, garbage and other materials that are left behind on the ice in the winter are not only pollution, but can be hazards for swimmers and boaters in the spring and summer,” said Const. Nicolle.  

“Respect the environment and the waterway that you so enjoy. If you took it out on the ice, then take it back on land before the ice melts.” 

For more information and safety tips, contact the York Regional Police Marine Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7321.