Early Tuesday morning, November 5, 2019, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) were called to a pond near the Kilcona Off-leash dog park. A dog had fallen through the ice.
When crews arrived they found the animal about 18 metres from shore and used an inflatable rescue boat to reach it. Firefighters had to break through the ice in order to reach the wet pooch but say it is no worse for wear after spending 20 minutes in the frigid water.
The morning rescue prompted the WFPS and the Winnipeg Police Service River Patrol to remind Winnipeggers that thin ice conditions are present on many area waterways including the rivers, ditches, streams, culverts, creeks and retention ponds.
“No one should risk being on the ice at this time of the year,” said Assistant Chief Mark Reshaur, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS). “The ice thickness is unpredictable on all waterways and ponds so we encourage all residents to steer clear of these surfaces, as well as the banks surrounding them.”
Ice surfaces are thin and falling into ice-cold water can be deadly.
“Falling through thin ice is preventable and frequently ends with tragic consequences,” said Stephane Boulet, Patrol Sergeant, Winnipeg Police Service (WPS). “The WPS considers all frozen bodies of water within the city of Winnipeg to be unsafe for recreational use with the exception of areas that are monitored.
Although some danger signs are posted in some areas all areas should be considered unsafe.
© News4.ca 2020
