City of Brandon Emergency Preparedness Team Issues Thin Ice Warning

March 29, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brandon, MB – With the public’s safety and the safety of all emergency response personnel top of mind, the City of Brandon would like to urge members of the public to stay off and away from the Assiniboine River as the spring melt progresses.

As warmer temperatures arrive, thin ice or pockets of open water are beginning to form on the river and other Brandon waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, and retention ponds. As the melt progresses, such ice surfaces become increasingly thin and fragile, and falling into ice-cold water can be deadly.

Particular attention should be paid by parents of young children, whose youngsters may still be learning about the dangers of open waterways, or by recreational vehicle users who traditionally access the river surface during the winter months. The City of Brandon would also like to caution anyone who frequents the Assiniboine River Corridor area to exercise their animals to use extreme caution when walking close to the river and keep a close eye on their pet at all times.

For more water safety tips, visit the Government of Manitoba website.