Kamloops residents encouraged to stay away from river ice

KAMLOOPS — After a cold snap that caused sections of the North and South Thompson Rivers to freeze in a few days, Kamloops Fire Rescue (KFR) urges residents to avoid venturing on the ice themselves.

River ice is described as unpredictable due to water currents, regardless of the weather and temperature. The ice could be thick or thin, but it will often look the same from the surface.

“Every year, KFR responds to reports of pets falling through the ice, often because they were chasing after wildlife or another pet,” KFR Public Fire and Life Safety Educator Jamie Chase said. “Occasionally, we have to rescue pet owners when they attempt to go after their pets and end up falling through themselves.”

The river first forms as pack ice with weak seams, especially where strong current is flowing beneath it. Pack ice can break loose in large sections without warning.

Anyone who falls in the river ice is encouraged to:

• stay calm and try to keep your head is out of the water and control your breathing
• call for help and keep your hands on the ice shelf
• try to pull yourself up on the ice on your stomach and roll towards the shore where the ice may be thicker
• stop kicking and trying to pull yourself out and anchor yourself to the ice shelf if unable get out of the water in less than 10 minutes

Residents who sees a person fall through the ice are asked to call 911. If the person doesn’t get out of the water or get to the ice or shore, they’re encouraged to throw an aid – such as a branch or rope – to the person, but are asked to wait for an emergency services worker to assist.