Man on floating ice rescued by multi-force operation

A local man returned home safe and sound after the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Loyalist Fire Department, and CFB Trenton’s rescue operation successfully plucked the man from floating ice in Lake Ontario.

Members from the Loyalist Detachment of the OPP along with Loyalist Fire responded to the incident at 10:07 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, after receiving a report of a man on a large chunk of ice that was floating southbound in Lake Ontario. The ice chunk had broken free and was floating off of Amherst Island, and the man was unable to reach dry land.

CFB Trenton’s rescue operations dispatched a helicopter, which rescued the man from the ice. The man did not sustain any injuries.

The OPP would like to remind the public that ice is never 100 per cent safe, even though you may have tested the thickness. If you do venture out on the ice, please follow these tips to help keep you safe;

• Check the weather – Do not go out on warm or stormy days
• Do not travel on ice if you have consumed alcohol or drugs
• Do not travel on ice alone or in the dark – always have a buddy with you
• Always let someone know your destination and time of return
• Children should be accompanied by an adult when out on the ice
• Carry a small survival kit on your person – including ice picks, rope, a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocket knife, compass, and whistle

Ice is constantly changing in response to weather and water conditions, and is effected by many different factors including thickness, currents, age of the ice, pressure cracks, and snow cover, the OPP said.

“The OPP is committed to saving lives on Ontario’s highways, trails, and waterways through the reduction of preventable injury and death,” the OPP said in a press release on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019.