Children playing on thin ice a cause for concern, says EFRS: ‘The river is not safe’

Children playing on river ice, including at least one girl who fell into the water, has preoccupied Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) in the last week.

EFRS says it received six calls in the past week for children playing on the river, or for people walking onto the ice to rescue animals.

“That is six calls too many, six preventable calls,” said Bruce McWhinnie, the EFRS chief of special operations, in a release. “At this time of year, with the ice shelves shifting and moving currents, the river is not safe.”

EFRS says last week a bystander called 911 after spotting kids on the ice near open water. One girl had apparently fallen into the water and managed to pull herself out.

In another case, a group of kids was on the ice on the lake at Terra Losa.

EFRS is urging parents to warn children about the dangers of thin ice and being near the river, especially as warmer weather approaches and with schools closed for spring break.

“Stormwater ponds are dangerous because of unpredictable depths, the currents, and the inconsistency of the ice surface,” said Kathy Logozar of the EFRS.

EFRS has tips if someone falls through the ice, including calling 911 immediately, staying on the shore, and never attempting a rescue.

The fire rescue services team also warns that off-leash pets are a concern on thin ice, with the majority of animal water rescues occurring near Terwillegar dog park, Hermitage dog park and Hawrelak park.

“It’s simple. If you love your pets, leash them,” said McWhinnie.