No ice is safe ice

By Lethbridge Herald on December 10, 2025.

Herald photo by Alejandr Pulido-Guzman A hockey net can be seen on the edge of one of the ponds after the recent change in temperature changed the consistency of the ice making it unsafe to be on it at Legacy Park Tuesday.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

With the recent fluctuating temperatures, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents to be safe around bodies of water that may seem frozen enough to be on them. 

Jaydon McCarthy, co-team lead with the water rescue team with LFES said they usually start their annual message by saying no ice is safe ice, but if people stick to some guidelines and rules, everyone can have a good time on the ice this winter. 

“One of the first and biggest rule is the river is never safe to go on. It is too unpredictable, too many variables, and we ask the public to stay off the river all winter,” said McCarthy. 

He said for those who walk their dogs around the river valley, to make sure they are always on a leash, but specially during the winter as the ice is not safe for them either. 

“We are going to do everything we can to save the dog, but it is best if we could avoid being there in the first place and your dog remains safe on shore,” said McCarthy. 

As far as having fun on ice this winter, McCarthy said there are four areas that are designated by the city for outdoor skating and recreation. 

“We have Henderson Lake, Nicholas Sheran Lake and two ponds at Legacy Park. Just make sure you know if the city has deemed it safe or not safe before you go out,” said McCarthy. 

He said there are signs at those locations that indicate if the ice is safe to be on or not, as the ice conditions at those locations are checked weekly. Information can also be found on the city’s website. 

“There is more than just the thickness of the ice. It could be eight inches in one side, but if the other side gets more wind, it could be open water or just two inches over there,” said McCarthy. 

He said the ice can also be very thick, but filled with holes and filled with air, which makes it unsafe even if it’s thick. 

“In southern Alberta we get those chinook winds and freeze-thaw cycles, and the ice can be 10 inches thick one day and in a matter of couple of days later you break right through it because it has gotten so warm out of a sudden,” said McCarthy. 

He said this makes it even more important for people to stay informed on ice conditions and to only use designated areas to avoid tragedies. 

As a rule of thumb, McCarthy said that if there is visible water on the surface of the ice, there is high wind and the temperature is warm, to stay off the ice. 

He said residents are asked to only use the designated bodies of water for recreation during the winter months. Avoid storm ponds located at their neighbourhoods, as the ice is unstable and prohibited for any use.

“If you come across a dog or a victim in the ice, call 9-1-1, do not attempt to rescue them yourself. We train every winter to make sure we know what we are doing when we come and help you guys on the ice,” said McCarthy.