Traveling on Thin Ice - Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk

Greg shares tips for traveling across thin ice in Saskatchewan, Regina, and Moose Jaw. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.

Here's a transcription of the video:

Rob Carney: With Greg Marcyniuk, our insurance expert from Heritage Insurance in downtown Moose Jaw. Greg, we touched on it earlier in the season. Unsafe ice conditions out on Saskatchewan Lakes, people going out to do a little ice fishing. And we did have had, a number of people going through the ice in vehicles, dangerous situation. Now well, we have had some colder weather since. We still have to be so careful out on the ice and that's what we're talking about today.

Greg Marcyniuk: Thats correct, Rob. I think a lot of people out there, because the weather has been so good, and that there is very little snow on the ice, you can get across the lake quite easily, quite readily, and unfortunately very fast. Now, when you are traveling on the ice at a high rate of speed, there is a wake that forms in front of a truck, or any vehicle. As you come closer to the shore, that weight increases and it will push up through the ice and you will, and then fall through. The same thing is true when you are going down the ice. You're putting other people at danger out there with the ice shocks and the weight there with that weight in front of you that things can happen.

So, I did some research and what the experts actually recommend, and again I'm not an expert on ice, but did some research and when you're driving past any vehicles or any ice any, ice shocks, any sort of weight on there, you should not be going any more than 25 kilometers per hour. And when your driving in the middle of the lake down the lake, 35K should be the maximum speed that you are traveling. And that's the safest speed. Just so that you won't push up. I know it sounds like they're putting a little more water out at Buffalo Pound right now because there's a lot more stress cracks on the ice.

So again, air pockets can form. There's more vulnerability so I would be very cautious out there when you're driving. So again, just 35K. And especially if you're passing a vehicle when they're coming, that should be about 10K, if they're coming the opposite direction. So just know your limitations and take your time out there. Nobody's in that big of a rush. Now, if you do happen to get in an instance where you do go through ice and you are on the ice. the biggest thing is once you're in that cold, cold water because it is so cold, your body goes into a state of shock. The experts recommend you actually take your time. Catch your breath. Now again, don't panic. I know it's an easy thing to say. And I've actually fell through the ice myself and I know all about it. Just resist the urge to gasp, breathe, slowly tread water. And then what you want to do is you want to keep your hands above the ice, pull forward with your hands and do a whip kick, and get yourself out onto the edge like a horizontal kick, and pull. And once your horizontal continue to kick your feet use your hands slowly forward drawing your out on the ice. And then slowly crawl on the ice until you know that you're on safe ice.

Now, if somebody is there and you are there they can't get out of there, rescue the person either use a rope. Again, throw rope or lay you're body out flat. And once you do have them, grab a hold of them, get them in. Make sure that you take steps to prevent hypothermia such as a dry clothing. Get them out of that wet clothing, sleeping bag. And again, call for help or else take them to the nearest medical facility. And make sure you mark the site where it has broken through so others won't go through. So, those are just some common sense procedures there. Again, just take your time out there. We don't want to see anybody in any accidents.

Rob: For sure. And for these tips and more, you can go online to nohassleinsurance.ca

Greg: That's correct. Or come on down and talk to any of our fine staff. Corner of Fairford and 1st avenue Northwest.

Rob: Greg Marcyniuk, at 800 CHAB Ask the Expert.

(Transcription by: Speechpad)

Traveling on Thin Ice - Ask The Expert with Greg Marcyniuk

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