Due to current thawing temperatures, thin ice formation around waterways and rivers may lead to unforeseen dangers of falling through, area municipalities are cautioning.
The Town of Olds Red and Deer County area reminding residents to be safe around bodies of water during this time.
“Ice conditions deteriorate quickly in warm temperatures, and it can be hard to tell if the ice is safe,” says the county's \fire
chief, Drayton Bussiere. “The best course of action is to stay off.”
Chief Bussiere also noted that Red Deer County Protective Services personnel in previous seasons have responded for both pets and individuals who have fallen through the ice.
Anyone who witnesses someone fall through ice is directed to call 911 and to never attempt to rescue an individual or pet by themselves.
The Town of Olds, which operates several outdoor rinks on storm ponds, closed its outdoor rinks Tuesday for the season.
"With double-digit weather forecasts and a wonky-but-wonderful winter, we are no longer able to maintain our outdoor rinks safely. For that reason, our outdoor rinks will be closed for the season," a March 12 Town of Olds social media post noted.
"Please keep off the ponds as they are melting rapidly and are not safe to be on."
Meanwhile, with the snow melting, drainage has also become an issue in Olds.
