One man is recovering after falling through the ice on Lake Windermere Jan. 7 and the Windermere Fire Department has issued a public safety warning.

The Fire Department’s Ice Rescue Team responded to the incident earlier today and Deputy Fire Chief Drew Sinclair says the ice is highly unpredictable and extremely dangerous. “The ice conditions are the worst we’ve seen in recent memory and we are urging everyone who uses and recreates on the Lake to use extreme caution,” says Sinclair.

There are areas of thin ice across the entire Lake, including close to shore where people are riding bikes, ATVs, skiing, fishing, skating and walking.

“We want people to be aware of these unseasonable, dangerous conditions as many people have no idea the ice is so thin in places. This was clearly evident today when, after someone had been rescued after falling through the ice, people were riding and walking in the immediate area,” says Sinclair.

This is not the first incident in recent weeks. Windermere Fire Department responded to a call on the lake on Boxing Day and has also received reports of at least three other incidents on the Lake in recent days.

“We cannot stress enough how dangerous it can be out there,” adds Sinclair.

Each year numerous vehicles plunge through the ice on Lake Windermere. Oftentimes it is people skidding into the large opening where Windermere Creek feeds into the lake. However, new underwater springs come to life each year, creating openings in the ice or dangerously thin ice conditions.

If you do not know the lay of Lake Windermere, such as where water courses enter the lake or where springs generally exist, do not venture onto the lake in your vehicle.

e-KNOW

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