Ice safety urged for anglers and winter enthusiasts
As ice begins to form on area lakes and waterways, many anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are venturing out to have a good time or catch the big one.
One popular winter spot is Mitchell’s Bay on Lake St. Clair in Chatham-Kent. But the lure of Mother Nature’s splendour can catch you off the hook if you’re not careful.
“You have to watch it out there,” warned Cole Bailey, an ice fishing expert and co-owner of Angling Sports Bait and Tackle in London. “You get varying ice conditions because there’s a lot of current coming through that lake with all the rivers that feed it. The wind, if it blows the wrong direction, it’ll break up the ice.”
Bailey said being prepared means having the basics in equipment that could save your life if you find yourself in trouble.
Starting with a set of ice picks or ice claws, as their called. “They’re usually hanging around your neck by a draw string,” explained Bailey. “You grab hold of them and you stab them into the ice. What that will allow you to do is you pull yourself up out of the water and you can roll away to safety.”
Cleats are also essential said Bailey. “So without a proper pair of boots with cleats on them, you’ll be slipping and sliding all over the place.”
A spud bar is also a must-have, he said. “It’s a big, heavy two-piece chisel that you ram into the ice and you’re able to check for thickness.”Cole Bailey of Angling Sports in London holds up a spud bar for checking ice thickness, Jan. 17, 2022. (Bryan Bicknell / CTV News)Finally he said never to go out without wearing a floatation suit. “That’s another very important piece of equipment that will go a long way in making sure you’re safe out on the ice.”
OPP also warn those who love the outdoors in winter to consider the risks associated with their recreational activities.
“Whether or not it’s the rivers in our area, the creeks, the water ends up fluctuating underneath,” said OPP Insp. Shawn Johnson. “So it can be thick in one area and all of a sudden because it’s free flowing, you get into a thin area. So you could be participating in some outdoor activities and next thing you know, you find yourself in danger.”
Area municipalities are also warning outdoor enthusiasts that it’s not safe to skate or play hockey on storm water management ponds.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.