Changing ice conditions

Public Service Announcement

Changing ice conditions

Nunavummiut are reminded to use caution when travelling on ice this time of year. Being prepared can save your life:

• Do not travel over fresh water ice on lakes and rivers.
• Before going on sea ice, consult your hunters and trappers organization or Wildlife Office about known open water and strong current areas.
• Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings – thin ice may be different in colour and appearance and should be avoided.
• Avoid areas with known strong currents by taking a different route or travelling over land where possible.
• Travel with a communications device and make sure the device is firmly attached to your clothing.
• Share your travel plan with family and friends, and include this information on the SPOT sign-out form.
• Travel with a companion or in a group, and carry extra supplies, gas, food and equipment for 72 hrs.
• Use caution in areas where there is a lot of surface water on the ice.
• Know when the tides are predicted to change, you may not be able to get to shore in many areas when the tide is rising – tide charts can be downloaded at www.tides.gc.ca.
• Monitor the weather for the areas where you are travelling.

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Media Contact:

Kris Mullaly
Policy Analyst/Communications Officer
Department of Community and Government Services
867-975-5342
@email