The winter season brings various recreational activities to the community, but residents are being reminded to be cautious on the river and open water.
Water Management Supervisor Jason Wintermute with the Lower Thames Conservation Authority says there are various guidelines in place when going out on the ice.
"There's talk about blue ice versus white ice," says Wintermute. "Depending on the quality of ice that actual thickness [determining whether] it's safe can vary."
According to the Canadian Red Cross, blue ice is generally thicker than white ice.
Depending on the area, Wintermute says the warmer outputs can affect the ice thickness.
"There could be warm water inputs and stuff like that entering and melting the ice from underneath," says Wintermute. "So especially in urban areas you need to be extremely careful about trying to do any recreational activities on the ice. "
Wintermute says although it may be tempting to go out on the ice, residents should keep in mind the ice thickness and the surrounding area. As the ice and snow melts the riverbanks do get slippery, increasing the risk of people falling into the water.
-With files from Jake Kislinsky.