Sunshine Coast RCMP are warning people to stay off lakes that appear frozen.
The ice on Trout Lake proved enticing for some people in the last couple of weeks, but RCMP said it is too thin to venture out on.
"With varying temperature changes, the ice is not safe," said Const. Tracy Dubnyk.
Greg Phelps, fire chief for Halfmoon Bay volunteer fire department, said they do not have the kind of equipment needed for ice rescues because it is so rare to have ice on Coast lakes.
"I can't risk my guys without using some kind of protection," he said. "It's pretty scary out there. The ice is thin, maybe four or five inches thick."
Bill Elsner, emergency co-ordinator for the Sunshine Coast Regional District suggested people go to www.adventuresmart.ca/water/icesafety/index.php for information on when ice is safe, for what activities based on its thickness and what do to if you fall through. Phelps said he attended a recent call with RCMP about someone ice fishing on Trout Lake and he has heard of people skating and playing hockey on it. With temperatures fluctuating over the last several weeks, he said no one can count on the ice being strong enough to hold them.
"You go through the ice, you're putting other people's lives at risk," who come to the rescue, Phelps said.
