RDCK Media Release – Pond and lake safety in the RDCK

Village of Salmo

RDCK Media Release – Pond and lake safety in the RDCK

Pond and lake safety in the RDCK

Click here to view on the RDCK website

Nelson, BC:  Winter has officially arrived in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK). Outdoor enthusiasts across the region are breaking out their winter gear to get outside and play. Whether it is skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating or just hiking in the snow, winter is a great time of year to enjoy the Kootenays and everything it has to offer.

As great as it is to be outside, residents need to take the necessary precautions to be safe in the elements, especially around lakes and ponds. Whether you are ice fishing or ice skating, it is important to establish when it is safe for use. Fluctuating temperatures, varying water depths and other environmental factors will affect the ice thickness at various times. If you are going to venture out onto the ice, it is important you have the knowledge of when it is safe to walk/skate on a frozen lake, how to check the thickness of the ice and what to do if you fall through the ice. No ice is completely safe and it is imperative residents understand the inherent dangers.

For recommendations on minimum depth for activities on new, clear, hard ice and other important tips, visit Adventure Smart

The RDCK does not control or maintain any lakes or ponds for ice fishing and ice skating, but does facilitate a volunteer run outdoor ice rink that residents can take advantage of at Morning Mountain Regional Park. The rink is free to use and is open when winter conditions allow.

For more information on RDCK parks and trails go to www.rdck.ca/parks.

Incorporated in 1965, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is a local government that serves 60,000 residents in 11 electoral areas and nine member municipalities. The RDCK provides more than 160 services, including community facilities, fire protection and emergency services, grants, planning and land use, regional parks, resource recovery and handling, transit, water services and much more. For more information about the RDCK, visit www.rdck.ca.