After a weekend that saw people skating on virtually every lake and pond that froze in Metro Vancouver, intentionally or not, the parks board is warning people to stay off the ice.
"We are reminding folks not to attempt going on any visible ice," states the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation on social media.
The issue is safety, adds the municipal body.
"The temperature will need to stay below zero for an extended time for the ice to be thick enough to support the weight of a person or pet," adds the organization.
In another social media post, the parks board specifically advised against being on ponds or lakes.
Temperatures in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland have been cold for several days as Arctic air triggered weather warnings from Environment Canada. The mercury dropped below 0 C on January 11 and hasn't risen above until Monday, January 15, when it peaked at 0.5 C, according to the federal agency's YVR station.
Saturday morning saw a low of -13.7 C.
Going forward warmer weather is expected in Vancouver, along with a "significant snow event" Tuesday night.
🌬️ICE SAFETY REMINDER
— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) January 15, 2024
As ice forms at ponds and lakes around Vancouver, we are reminding folks not to attempt going on any visible ice. pic.twitter.com/KCiqdBSXEn
In the past ,the board has put out signs to warn people about going on snow and ice-covered waterways in the city. In 2019, lifeguards were tasked with making people aware of the danger in person.
