Smiths Falls police are urging residents to stay off lakes and rivers unless they have proper experience and safety equipment this winter.
Community services officer Const. Sean Keogan says emergency crews are responding more often to people driving,snowmobiling, or walking onto unfamiliar ice.
Keogan says falling through the ice leaves very little time to react and also creates environmental risks.
He explains that even when ice appears solid, conditions can change quickly, especially near moving water.
Police say experienced ice anglers use flotation devices, sleds and proper safety gear, and understand local conditions.
With waterways surrounding the community, police are reminding residents that staying off unsafe ice helps protect both the public and first responders.
