With temperatures bouncing up and down the thermometer, ice on waterways such as the Souris River and Nickle Lake can be a concern for anglers or anyone venturing out onto the ice.

"No ice is safe ice," said Weyburn Fire Chief Simon Almond. "So, we're never going to give recommendations that says, whether it be four inches, six inches, eight inches, that you can go on the ice, however, that information is out there."

The Ministry of Environment guidelines suggest at least four inches ice thickness for a person, eight inches for a snowmobile and over twelve inches for a vehicle. They also suggest anyone planning to do some ice fishing should first test the ice thickness before traveling on it and check with other local anglers about the waterway. 

Those heading out onto the ice should keep in mind that ice at the shore of a waterway is usually thicker than it is further out, especially at the beginning of winter. Also, ice strength can vary considerably from area to area.

Almond added the fire department does have a trained water rescue team in Weyburn, trained in ice rescues.

Winter ice safety guidelines can be found HERE.