Myths about ice, cold water and drowning debunked

OPP released an image of Lake Simcoe showing open water pressure cracks.

Did you know that roughly 35 per cent of drownings in Canada happen between October and April? That’s according to the Lifesaving Society.

As frigid temperatures take over Simcoe County, officials are reminding everyone that ice and cold water pose serious and underestimated risks.

Here are some myths and realities to keep in mind from lifeguarding experts:

Myth: Waterlogged clothing pulls you down in the water and makes you drown.

Reality: In fact, air trapped in your clothing will help keep you afloat for the time being. But, once your clothes are completely soaked with water, they will be heavier, making moving and swimming quite the challenge.

Myth: The stronger the swimmer you are, the better your chances of rescuing yourself if you fall through the ice.

Reality: Did you know that swimming proficiency plays only a small part in ice-related rescues? After just five minutes, cold water begins to strip you of your ability to move all limbs. The result makes it very challenging for you to get out of the water, no matter what your swimming ability.

Myth: Snow covering a frozen lake or river makes the ice surface much stronger.

Reality: Snow just acts as an insulating blanket; it actually slows down formation and growth.

Myth: When the weather is cold, the ice is always solid and safe.

Reality: Wind, a layer of snow on the ice, currents and fluctuating water levels can actually weaken ice and make it unable to hold weight. A sudden drop in air temperature is actually more dangerous than a sudden rise and can lead to cracks on the ice.

Myth: Thick ice is stronger than thin ice.

Reality: Even thick ice may be weak if it is “rotten” or contains layers of water. Rotten ice has usually been thawed a bunch of times, making it potentially fragile even when it appears solid.

The recommended ice thickness ranges depending on the weight of the object or person entering the ice.

According to the Lifesaving Society, the minimum recommended ice thickness is four inches (10 centimetres) for a single person, five inches (12 centimetres) for a snowmobile or ATV, eight to 12 inches (20 to 30 centimetres) for a single car, and 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimetres) for a full-size pickup truck.