Emergency services respond to numerous ice rescues over long weekend

Kingston Fire and Rescue (KFR) responded to three separate ice rescues over the past week.

According to a statement from KFR, released on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, as of 11:23 am on Monday, Feb. 15, emergency services had responded to three recent calls for ice rescue in Lake Ontario.

At approximately 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021, KFR responded to a call off the foot of Albert Street. According to the statement, the person who went through the ice had gotten themselves out by the time crews arrived.

On Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021, at approx. 3:30 p.m., another individual had gone through the ice off the Gord Edgar Downie Pier. KFR said that person had also gotten themselves out by the time KRF crews arrived.

At the foot of Emily Street an iceboat with two people in it went through the ice at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 14, 2021. KFR say they called for assistance from their cellphone and were out of the ice by the time crews arrived. When crews were on the scene to respond to that call, a cyclist also went through the ice and required rescue.

“A Kingston Fire & Rescue ice rescue is no small endeavour,” KFR said in the statement. “A response team of 12-14 crew members and a significant amount of equipment is required to monitor and ensure the safety of the rescue team in addition to those being assisted.”

Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) reminds residents that all ice can be dangerous. Conditions can change rapidly, and the quality of ice can be influenced by many factors including temperatures, water depth, tides and currents, water levels, and more. KFR advises residents to stay off Lake Ontario. Many parts of the lake have open water, and poor shoreline ice conditions. By venturing onto the lake, you place yourself and others at risk. For more information about ice safety, please consult the Canadian Red-Cross.