North Saskatchewan River. (File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Alyssa Rudolph

ice safety

North Battleford urges residents to be aware of thin ice

Nov 24, 2025 | 5:19 PM

Ice may be forming on water surfaces in the area, but the current conditions are too brittle to support any weight.

During this time of the year, the ice on rivers, lakes and ponds is unpredictable and can often break easily. Due to this, the city of North Battleford is reminding the public to stay off any ice surfaces in the area.

Director of Protective Services for the City Fire Department said it depends on the weight of the object for what ice thickness is considered safe.

“For walking, I would not recommend going on ice that’s thinner than four inches. If you’re going to snowmobile or go quadding on the ice, I’d recommend that you have at least eight inches,” said Chief Lindsay Holm. “A half ton, I would not go out on the ice unless there’s at least 12 inches of ice.”

If an individual falls through the ice, witnesses are urged to immediately contact emergency services and keep an eye on the person until help arrives. The quicker somebody can get out of the water, the better their chance of survival.

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“I would not recommend them going out onto the ice to try and facilitate a rescue, just for the simple fact that if somebody did go through, that ice is already compromised, and they’ll probably put themselves in a position where they may end up going through the ice as well,” said Holm.

When driving or snowmobiling on ice during the winter months, travelers are reminded to carry emergency kits including blankets, candles, and warm clothing. Drivers of vehicles should also have a readily available tool to break a window.

“Once a vehicle starts submerging, it starts building up pressure and you would not be able to open a door,” said Holm. “There’s a good chance that the electronics on the vehicle will fail. If you have power windows, those power windows will not work as well.”

Holm said the fire department usually sees at least one person go through the ice each year. Typically, because the person ventured onto the ice when it wasn’t thick enough to do so.

“If you make sure that you check the depth of the ice prior to going out on it, you will probably have a great day and a good experience of ice fishing or whatever it is that you’re wanting to do out on the ice,” he said.

By following ice thickness guidelines, individuals help to keep local rescue personnel safe and out of potential danger.

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com