Alberta RCMP issues warning after 3 vehicles break through the ice in Sylvan Lake
Posted December 31, 2024 3:48 pm.
A white pickup truck broke through the ice at Sylvan Lake, west of Red Deer on Monday. It’s the third vehicle plunging into thin ice at the lake in three days.
Though there have been no reported injuries, Alberta RCMP warned the public of the unsafe conditions.
“You really need to be educated and understand the dynamics of the ice before you go out in it, especially in a vehicle in an added weight,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the acting Alberta RCMP media relations manager.
While the first two incidents were cases of people ice-fishing according to RCMP it’s unclear why the third vehicle was on the lake when it fell through the ice on December 30.
“We received a call from a third party who had seen the vehicle in the ice. And we found out that the owner of that vehicle, the person who was driving it was transported out of the area,” said Cpl. Savinkoff.
The incidents prompted RCMP to issue two separate public warnings, highlighting the urgent need for caution. CityNews asked Cpl. Savinkoff what happens when you realize your vehicle is breaking through the ice.
“You’re gonna hear those noises and the cracking, so if it starts to do that get yourself out of there. You need to get away from that vehicle as soon as you can,” he explained.
The RCMP warnings say Sylvan Lake’s ice thickness can vary significantly and that current conditions aren’t safe for vehicles or other heavy equipment.
