The City of Prince Albert and its Fire Department are reminding everyone that rivers, streams and lakes can be extremely dangerous at this time of year with the ice not quite frozen enough yet.

Deputy Fire Chief, Alex Paul, says the large amount of snow has made it especially deceiving and unsafe as heavy snow cover insulates the ice and prevents it from freezing evenly and quickly. It can also hide the danger signs of weak ice, so he urges caution around the North Saskatchewan River and at Little Red River Park.

He warns that if you fall in, the cold water will lower the temperature of your heart, brain, and other vital organs, and then you can lose consciousness and drown.
Paul says if you see someone on river ice, phone 911 immediately.