Water safety coordinator Doctor Christopher Love states dozens of vehicles break through thin ice around this time of year.

He adds an average of 65 people go through the ice and drown in the country annually.

Love states no ice is without some risk and people should measure clear hard ice in several places to ensure the ice can bear weight. He explains if you’re going out for activities it is a minimum of 10 centimeters for things like ice fishing, skating, walking, cross country skiing, if you’re going to be taking out an ATV or snowmobile then it needs to be 12 centimeters, if you’re going to be taking out a light car or truck then you need between 20 and 30 centimeters depending on the exact weight and size of your vehicle and beyond 30 to 38 centimeters for a medium truck or an SUV and even higher than that if you’re taking out a really big truck or other vehicle as part of your activities.

Love adds people going out on frozen waterways should have a floatation device on them, never go out alone and make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.