RCMP warns public about dangers of thin ice on Calling Lake

Athabasca RCMP are pleading for drivers to stay off area lakes after two recent cases of vehicles crashing through the ice on Calling Lake north of Edmonton.

“RCMP reminds the public that with the ever-changing weather conditions and above average temperatures, it is hard to tell the strength and thickness of the ice simply by its appearance. Travel on unmarked iced waterways is always risky. Considering the current situation, Athabasca RCMP advise the public that travel, by any means, is not to be attempted on the lake,” said a Friday news release from the detachment about 150 kilometres north of Edmonton.

Alberta RCMP issued a warning about the dangers of thin ice in December, after the bodies of an Edmonton family of three were recovered from the waters of Lac Ste. Anne northwest of the city.

The Pelsma family — Kelly, 39, his wife Laura, 37, and eight-year-old Dylan — went missing days before Christmas while riding their sideby-side ATV in Lac Ste. Anne County, about 90 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.

Parkland RCMP, Edmonton Police Air1 helicopter and ground search and rescue volunteers were called to an area near the Alexis Bridge off Range Road 40A by a local fisherman and were later assisted by an underwater dive team as well as the Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Service. They eventually recovered the three bodies.

Police warned the public that ice on open water should be at least 15 centimetres thick for a person to walk or skate on and at least 20 cm thick for groups of people; a thickness of 25 cm is required for safe snowmobiling or using off-highway vehicles on.