As temperatures fluctuate and winter activities begin, The City of Calgary is reminding Calgarians that rivers, the Glenmore Reservoir, waterways and storm ponds are not safe to be on.
There are more than 350 storm ponds located across the city that help reduce flooding and clean storm water before it goes back to our rivers. These ponds, like other bodies of water, have hidden risks and are not safe for any recreational activity, especially in winter.
“Storm ponds may look like any other frozen pond, but they behave very differently,” said Alex Kwan, Public Information Officer, Calgary Fire Department.
“Because water is constantly moving through these systems—and carrying sediment and roadway runoff—the ice can weaken without any warning. Even in long cold stretches, the ice on storm ponds is unpredictable and never safe to walk, skate, or play on.”
Ice safety tips
- Never walk, skate, or play on storm ponds: Keep yourself, children and pets at a safe distance by staying on pathways.
- Watch for signs: Obey posted signs located near storm ponds and other bodies of water to stay and play safe.
- Play and skate where it’s safe: There are designated locations around the city that are safe for winter fun! See what’s near you at calgary.ca/winteractivities and calgary.ca/rinks
- If you see activity on a storm pond call 3-1-1: Information about where the activity is happening on storm ponds helps us focus our public awareness and outreach.
- If you see a person or animal falling through the ice, call 9-1-1:
- Do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Instead, encourage them to kick and pull themselves up onto the ice and roll, rather than walk towards the edge.
- If they cannot get themselves out of the water, from the shore, reach or throw an aid such as a hockey stick, or rope.
- Keep your eyes on them to provide 9-1-1 and fire crews with their exact location.
What to do if you fall through ice
- Stay calm and shout for help: Try to stay calm, control your breathing, keep your head above the water, and shout for help.
- Try to pull yourself onto the ice shelf: Keep your hands on the ice shelf, kick your legs, and try to pull yourself up on the ice and onto your stomach. Once out of the water, roll toward shore where the ice might be thicker.
- Continue to shout for help: If you can’t get out of the water in less than 10 minutes, anchor yourself to the ice shelf and continue to shout for help.
- If someone is nearby, have them call 911 immediately: Ice rescue is dangerous, bystanders should not enter the water.
To learn more about safety around storm ponds visit calgary.ca/stormpondsafety
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