The City of Winnipeg is warning residents to stay off waterways and use extreme caution around them as ice surfaces begin to freeze.

Waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, streams, creeks, retention ponds, and rivers are beginning to develop thin layers of ice that cannot support the weight of people or pets. Falling into ice-cold water can be deadly.

 “All residents should stay away from these surfaces and their banks as the thickness of the ice is unpredictable,” said Assistant Chief Mark Reshaur, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS).

Although some dangerous areas may have signage that as “Danger – Thin Ice” the city says all ice on waterways should be considered dangerous even if a sign is not present.

© News4.ca 2021