Kamloops Fire Rescue warns people to stay off the river

The warning from KFR comes just days after an 18-year-old was found dead after he fell through the ice on Shuswap Lake.

Pont has life-saving tips on how people can best to protect themselves and make the potential rescues easier, if the need arises.

“If you go into the water you want to make sure that you call for help. You want to grab onto the edge, you want to flatten your body, let your feet out behind you, and just kick as hard as you can and pull yourself off the ice,” said Pont.

“You don’t have a lot of time because that water is very cold, but you want to get out as quickly as possible.”

He also says if people should call 9-1-1 first before attempting any rescue if they come across someone in need of help.

“We don’t generally recommend that people go out on the ice to help other people,” Pont said. “If you must, you want to lie on the ice, stretch your body out as long as possible, grab a long stick, get somebody to bring you a ladder and try and reach that person.”

He said while it might seem fun to head to the river with your friends or family, it is very dangerous and not at all recommended especially with spring around the corner.

“So it’s better just to not go near the ice and stay on the shore this time of year,” Pont said.

“As it warms up, the ice becomes even more variable. It’s even more important to stay off the ice.”

by Curtis Goodrum

Kamloops Fire Rescue warns people to stay off the river

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