Winter Ice Safety in Ontario: Staying Safe on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers

January 21, 2026, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

With winter conditions firmly established across Ontario and snow present since early December in many regions, frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers are drawing people outdoors for ice fishing, skating, and snowmobiling. While ice activities are a valued part of winter life in Ontario, they also carry serious risks. Ice conditions can change quickly and unpredictably, and every year people are seriously injured or killed after falling through unsafe ice. Understanding ice safety is essential before stepping onto any frozen body of water.

No Ice Is Ever Completely Safe

One of the most important ice safety rules is to remember that no ice is ever guaranteed to be safe. Ice thickness can vary dramatically across the same lake or river due to currents, springs, snow cover, changing temperatures, and water levels. Rivers are especially dangerous, as moving water weakens ice from below and can create thin spots even during prolonged cold weather.

Clear, blue ice is generally stronger than white, cloudy, or slushy ice, but appearance alone is never a reliable indicator of safety. Snow-covered ice can hide cracks, open water, and weak areas.

Recommended Ice Thickness Guidelines

While conditions vary, commonly accepted safety guidelines suggest:

• 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) for walking or skating

• 10–12 cm (4–5 inches) for snowmobiles or ATVs

• 12–20 cm (5–8 inches) for small vehicles

These are general guidelines only. Ice thickness can change within a few steps, and thicker ice in one area does not mean nearby areas are safe.

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

Ice fishing requires extra caution because people often remain in one place for extended periods. Always check ice thickness in multiple locations using an ice auger or chisel. Wear a flotation suit or life jacket designed for cold water, and carry ice picks to help pull yourself out if the ice breaks.

Never fish alone. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Avoid setting up near pressure cracks, inlets, outlets, or areas with flowing water.

Snowmobiling on Ice

Snowmobiling on frozen lakes and rivers is particularly high risk. Speed reduces your ability to react if ice conditions change suddenly. Snowmobiles can quickly reach thin ice areas, especially at night or in poor visibility.

Riders should wear flotation gear, carry ice picks, and travel with others. Avoid riding on ice early or late in the season when freezing and thawing cycles weaken ice. River ice should be avoided whenever possible due to unpredictable currents.

Skating on Natural Ice

Natural ice skating on ponds or lakes should only occur when ice has been tested and confirmed to be thick enough. Skaters should wear helmets, especially children, and avoid skating alone. Staying near shore and away from moving water reduces risk.

Supervision is critical for children, as thin ice can fail suddenly without warning.

What to Do If Someone Falls Through the Ice

If you fall through the ice, try to remain calm. Turn toward the direction you came from, as the ice there supported your weight. Use ice picks or your arms to pull yourself out, kicking your legs to help. Once out, roll away from the hole to distribute your weight and seek emergency help immediately.

If someone else falls through, do not rush to the edge. Call 911, reach with a long object, or throw a rope while staying on solid ground.

When Negligence Leads to Injury

Some ice-related injuries occur due to poorly marked hazards, unsafe event planning, or negligent property management. If you or a family member is injured or killed due to another party’s negligence, legal advice can be critical.

At Deutschmann de Koning Law, our Ontario personal injury lawyers understand the serious consequences of winter ice accidents and help injured individuals and families pursue compensation and accountability when preventable harm occurs.

Respect the Ice This Winter

Ice activities are a cherished part of winter in Ontario, but safety must always come first. Checking conditions, using proper equipment, and understanding the risks can help prevent tragedies and ensure winter recreation remains safe for everyone.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.