Be absolutely sure before heading out on ice

It sure feels like winter has arrived in York Region with a vengeance.
Winter’s blast has brought snow and ice to the area’s lakes and streams.
Just because it seems as if winter is here for the next little while, those who have the urge to go ice fishing should exhibit plenty of restraint.
At least for the time being.
Even though some good first-ice action can take place for those who like to get a jump on things.
In York Region, some good jumbo yellow perch action can be found on Lake Simcoe in the traditional first ice areas in Cook’s Bay and along the southeast shoreline near Duclos Point and Virginia Beach.
While parts of this province’s sixth-largest inland lake have begun to freeze over, it’s far from safe to venture on to the ice.
Trying to figure when it will be safe is just as unpredictable as the ice itself.
When in doubt, there are some reliable sources.
Consult ice hut operators who are responsible for provide safe ice fishing conditions for their clients.
Bait and tackle shops close to your desired destination can also inform you when the ice fishing action is in full bore.
Contrary to belief, a Ministry of Natural Resources office wouldn’t be an appropriate source since their offices are not located directly on the water.
As well, staff members do not routinely test the ice thickness.
If you’re going on the water where there’s no ice hut operators or locals you can ask for assistance, the weather can provide some starting hints.
One encouraging sign is when there’s a string of days with steady sub-freezing temperatures.
The colder it is for a longer period of time results in a better freeze up of lake waters.
Adding to this equation is when you get days and evenings when there’s little or no wind.
These conditions also help ice freeze quicker.
When ice does form on a body of water, there are several rules by which to abide.
For starters, the safest surfaces to venture on is clear solid ice that first forms and is void of any snow.
Surfaces covered with snow act as an insulator and can cause the qualify of ice to deteriorate.
Surfaces with slush is another ominous sign as it indicates ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and indicates weak or deteriorated ice.
Generally, ice should have at least four inches of solid, clear ice that can support peole walking single file over it.
Clear surfaces with six inches or more can support snowmobiles.
Surfaces with eight to 12 inches of clear ice can support a vehicle.
When venturing onto a frozen surface, be cognisant of river ice, which is usually 15-per-cent weaker than pond or lake ice.
Surfaces that just solidify also tend to be stronger than ice that’s been around for a while. As ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker even if melting has not occurred.
During first ice conditions it also helps to don or bring along certain safety items in the event the surface you walk on gives out.
Those would include wearing a CSA-approved floatation suit such as those manufactured by Mustang or Buoy-O-Boy.
As well, a set of ice pics should be a piece of standard equipment that can be worn around your neck. This item is equivalent to a car safety belt.
If travelling with a group of people, a length of rope can also be brought along and used to help propel any individual who falls through the ice.
When travelling by foot on a surface void of snow, the donning of slip on, or spiked shoes will keep you from falling on the ice.
Ice fishing can be a great way to fill the gap until the new open-water season arrives next spring.
But in doing so, safety should always be given a top priority.