'Clearly not safe': Third vehicle in 3 days falls through ice at Sylvan Lake

Since Dec. 28, three different vehicles have fallen through the ice at Sylvan Lake – two vehicles plunged into the lake on Saturday with the other on Monday morning.

While there have been no reports of injuries at either incident at the lake, Mounties are warning people of the dangerous conditions, saying "there was something wrong with the area."

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"It's not really a black and white thing, but when you're taking a vehicle onto the lake, you really need to make sure that you're really safe," said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. "I can tell you that the conditions on (the) southern (end of the) lake are clearly not safe to have vehicles … there could be areas that are totally fine, but clearly there's an issue out there."

Savinkoff told CTV News Edmonton on Monday the two vehicles on Saturday were "in close proximity" to each other during an ice fishing outing before falling through the ice.

According to Savinkoff, each case can differ from another.

"It's always a case-by-case basis .… It's not really a black and white thing, but especially when you're taking a vehicle onto the lake, you really need to make sure that you're really safe," he said.

Madison Lalonde from the Lifesaving Society said there are precautions winter enthusiasts can take to keep themselves and their vehicle out of frigid waters.

"The main tip that I can provide you is (to) use designated ice surfaces," Lalonde told CTV News Edmonton on Monday, adding such surfaces are regularly maintained by staff.

"People go out there to make sure that the ice is safe for you. They will also make sure to put signs up when the ice is not safe to use," she added.

Lalonde also noted that if anyone were to go out onto any ice, whether it's deemed safe or if it's undesignated, to never go alone and to wear a life jacket over your outerwear.

She said ice is more likely to break if there is running water underneath the ice as the moving current can make the thickness of the ice differ from area to area.

"If you want to go out and make sure that you're enjoying things safely, make sure that you're bringing some safety equipment with you – ice picks, throw rope, first-aid kits – and make sure to have your cell phone in case you need to call for help," said Lalonde.

Even then, she said "no ice is 100-per-cent safe", and if someone were to fall into the ice, they need to follow the 'one-ten-one rule.'

It states you have one minute to get your breathing under control as the icy depths can induce a cold water shock, 10 minutes to get yourself to safety before losing the ability to move or swim, and one hour before hypothermia sets in.

Savinkoff said there are no plans to put extra patrols on lakes to keep everyone off the dangerous ice.

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti