Red Cross Issues Winter Safety Tips

By 250 News

 Less than 24 hours after three snowboarders were pulled from the Powderking area north of Mackenzie,  the Red Cross is issuing a winter safety reminder.

"Every winter the Red Cross seeks to educate the public and to suggest safer ways to enjoy seasonal activities," says Becky Row, First Aid & Water Safety Program Representative. "Our objective is to reinforce basic safety messages so that they become second nature to people."

Top tips to safely enjoy  winter activities:

• Wear the gear. Avoid frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers and keeping your head, ears and hands covered.
• Be smart! Always wear your helmet when participating in winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing and skating.
• Alcohol and winter activities don’t mix. Stay sober while participating in any winter activities.
• Test the thickness of ice before venturing out on it. Ice must be at least 15 cm or 6 inches for walking or skating alone, 20 cm or 8 inches for skating parties and/or games and 25 cm or 10 inches before it is safe for snowmobiles.
• Avoid hazards. Survey the area and identify the potential danger spots.
• Supervise children. Adult supervision is the best protection for children.
• Get trained. Take first aid training from Red Cross or another reputable agency, so that you know what to do in an emergency situation.

Snowmobilers in particular are urged to pay attention to potential hazards. "This early in the season, people are eager to get on their sleds and get out in the snow," says Row. "We urge snowmobilers to use caution all the time, and particularly around rivers, lakes and other bodies of water where ice may not be thick enough – or not consistently thick enough – to support a snowmobile."

Three snowboarders from Fort St John were rescued Sunday after having spent the night outdoors.  They got lost after becoming disoriented in the ice fog while snowboarding at Powderking.  Experts say  the trio had  mild weather on their side.  All three were  said to be chilled, but in good shape.

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