Calgarians are heading outside to enjoy the warm weather and the fire department is reminding people to take precautions around the ice on rivers and lakes.

Hundreds of people took to the outdoors on Tuesday and the river pathways were packed with walkers and runners.

The Calgary Fire Department says winter activity on lakes, ponds and rivers can be risky and that ice strength is directly related to how it is formed and not to its thickness.

They say that the ice along Calgary waterways should not be trusted and people and pets should keep clear.

"Any sort of river ice is completely unreliable, because there's rocks and other debris embedded in there, and that means the integrity of it is completely unreliable," said Brian McAsey from the Calgary Fire Department.

The fire department says to consult your local community centre for conditions on neighbourhood lakes.

The Calgary Fire Department performs a water rescue almost every day and most of the time it is in winter conditions.

Conservation officers in the National Parks say many of the ponds and rivers are also flowing freely because of the warm weather.

"Some of the rivers are totally open and you can see here at grotto pond some of the pond edges have opened up quite a bit," said Arian Spiteri.

Generally, clear blue ice is best, white opaque ice is weaker and grey ice is the most unsafe as there is water underneath it.

Ice safety tips and facts from the City of Calgary:

  • Factors influencing ice strength
    • Air temperature changes with the sun.
    • Chinook winds.
    • Snow-covered ice creates a thermal layer that prevents freezing and hides hazards.
    • Currents do not allow the water to freeze. River ice is 15 per cent weaker than standing ice due to the river current.
    • Chemicals in the water.
    • Size of the body of water.
    • Depth of the water and water fluctuation.
    • Vegetation growth.
    • Obstructions in the water such as birds, rocks, logs, weeds, garbage, etc.
  • Protect yourself around ice
    • Inform others of your destination and time of return.
    • Check weather conditions. Warm Chinook winds can quickly change ice strength.
    • Wear a PFD and a helmet.
    • Check with your community association to see if neighbourhood lake ice has been tested for safety.
    • Dress in layers to protect against hypothermia (deceased body temperature).
    • Keep a cellphone, vehicle keys, and First Aid equipment on shore in a safe location known by all party members.
    • Never go onto ice alone.
    • Never go onto ice at night, as ice conditions are constantly changing.
    • When walking with others, keep a good distance apart on ice.
    • Keep pets on a leash. If you see an animal on the ice, that doesn't mean the ice is safe to walk on.
  • What to do if you fall through ice
    • Stay calm.
    • You will experience a cold-water shock as well as a gasp-reflex. Make sure your head is out of the water while waiting for the reflex to stop.
    • Control your breathing.
    • Call for help. Keep your hands on the ice shelf.
    • Head for shore where the ice is better.
    • Kick and pull. If you cannot get out in five to 10 minutes, stop thrashing and try and anchor yourself to the ice shelf. Continue to call for help.
  • What to do if you witness an accident
    • Stay back and call for help. If near a phone, call 9-1-1 and ask for the fire department.
    • Talk the person out of the ice by encouraging the victim to kick and pull. If the person gets back on the ice, tell him or her to roll towards the shore.
    • Reach or throw an aid to the person such as a branch, hockey stick, electrical cord, or your belt or scarf.
    • When pulling a victim out of the icy water, keep your body near the ground to not be pulled onto the ice.