The Windermere Fire Department is urging residents across the East Kootenay to use extreme caution as spring conditions are increasing the potential for danger on local lakes.

“It is that time of year when conditions can rapidly change on local lakes and ice can become unsafe and unpredictable,” said Columbia Valley Rural Fire & Rescue Service Assistant Chief, Joss Advocaat. “We are urging residents to use extreme caution in and around ice.”

The warning comes following a 9-1-1 call Thursday afternoon that two children had fallen through the ice in Lake Windermere near Kinsmen Beach.

The Invermere Fire Department was dispatched and called the Windermere Fire Department to assist with mutual aid.

“We responded with our Hovercraft and Rescue Truck along with 10 firefighters who are trained in ice rescue,” added Advocaat.  “After launching the Hovercraft, doing a detailed assessment of the site, and following up with the caller, it was determined that while two children had been playing on the ice, they had not fallen through.”

In addition to the Invermere and Windermere Fire Departments, Columbia Valley RCMP and BC Ambulance were also dispatched to the site and Search and Rescue was on standby.

“While today’s call is obviously the best outcome, it underlines the importance of making sure everyone is aware that the ice is breaking up on local lakes and is getting dangerous,” added Advocaat.

Lead image:  The Windermere Fire Department’s Hovercraft on Lake Windermere Thursday afternoon. Windermere Fire Department photo

Article Share