Ice is never 100 per cent safe. When thin ice breaks and someone falls into the water, there is a risk of hypothermia or even drowning. The SIM would like to remind residents to use extreme caution near frozen bodies of water. 

Over the course of the month of January, the SIM’s lifesaving teams have been called to the scene 20 times across the Montréal agglomeration. Lifesavers, who are trained to assist people in difficulty, have specialized clothing and equipment to respond to emergencies on the ice and in the water. As well, the SIM has three types of boats, one of which is designed to be used on bodies of water in the wintertime. 

Even though the SIM’s lifesaving teams are there to protect the population, the best scenario is to avoid frozen bodies of water. The SIM encourages Montrealers to visit skating rinks, which are specially designed for safe skating, in compliance with all health measures.