Lakeshore fire department urges caution as ice becomes unstable

Lake St. Clair on Feb. 28, 2025. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

As temperatures rise, the Lakeshore Fire Department is reminding residents and visitors to be cautious around local waterways.

“No ice is safe ice, and we want to ensure everyone is aware of the risks, especially around this time of year,” said Lakeshore Fire Chief Jason Suchiu. “A few weeks of warmer temperatures means inconsistent ice thickness and strength. Safety comes first, so the best way to prevent ice-related emergencies is to stay off the ice entirely.”

Chief Suchiu also emphasized the importance of keeping pets and livestock away from local waterways to prevent accidents.

“Ideally we wouldn’t want to see people on the ice,” said Deputy Chief Jeff Pulleyblank. “We have very inconsistent ice conditions and if you have to be on the ice, let people know where you are, wear an approved floatation device and just be safe when doing so.”

Pulleyblank noted an incident earlier this week when someone drove a vehicle on the ice in the Emeryville area and then another situation this week involving a pet on the ice.

“The fire department’s capabilities for ice are very limited to the shoreline,” Pulleyblank told CTV News. “So unfortunately, we don’t have the ability or capabilities at this point to go out kilometers on to the ice. But the community stepped up and people are out there, which added a little bit more risk for us. So we know people are out there and we have to utilize our resources appropriately.”

If someone falls through the ice:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Encourage them to remain calm and keep as much of their body above water as possible.
• If safe to do so, try to reach them with a long object such as a rope, branch, or pole—without putting yourself in danger.

Recent Watershed Conditions Statements from both the Lower Thames Valley and Essex Region Conservation Authorities echo these warnings, stressing the hazards of unstable ice and fast-moving water.

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority Statement: “People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. Any remaining ice on these watercourses should be considered unsafe. The combination of slippery banks, unstable ice conditions, and fast-moving cold water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from the water.”

Essex Region Conservation Authority Statement: “People are encouraged to take extra caution and avoid any areas where flooding may be occurring as well as rivers, streams, and shoreline areas during significant rainfall and wind events. The combination of slippery banks and fast-moving water can be dangerous. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children, pets, and livestock should be kept away from flowing or standing water.”

Officials note by staying vigilant and avoiding ice-covered or fast-moving waterways, residents can help prevent dangerous incidents as the weather continues to warm.