The Quebec Lifesaving Society is issuing an urgent safety reminder following a tragic double drowning on Christmas Eve, which has brought the province's winter drowning toll to six lives lost in 2025 alone. The society, which records an average of six to eight such fatalities each winter, emphasizes that understanding ice conditions and knowing how to react in an emergency are vital for anyone venturing onto frozen waterways.
A Tragic Reminder on Lake Ernest
The latest incident occurred on December 24th on Lake Ernest in St-Zenon. A man in his forties was using a tractor to clear snow with a young child when the ice beneath them gave way. The Sûreté du Québec confirmed both deaths the following day, casting a shadow over the holiday. A coroner's investigation is now underway to determine the precise circumstances and potentially recommend preventative measures.
So far in the new year, Quebec has seen six winter drownings. In addition to the St-Zenon tragedy, there were three earlier incidents and the death of a snowmobiler on December 15th. Raynald Hawkins, executive director of the Quebec Lifesaving Society, stresses that awareness, not avoidance, is the key. "Far be it from us to tell people they can't engage in activities on the ice—quite the contrary. But you have to make sure you have the right information before venturing out there," he stated.
Decoding Ice Safety: Colour and Thickness Are Key
Hawkins identifies ice colour and thickness as the two most critical safety indicators. Black or clear ice that allows you to see the lake bottom is generally the strongest, formed after at least seven to ten consecutive days of temperatures below -10°C with cold nights.
Minimum thickness requirements vary by activity:
- 10 centimetres is the minimum for walking on ice.
- 12 to 15 centimetres are needed to support a snowmobile.
- 30 to 38 centimetres of solid ice is required to safely set up an ice fishing hut.
Conversely, grey ice is a dangerous mixture of frozen and liquid water and should always be avoided due to its brittleness. If the ice appears whitish or opaque, it may be safe, but Hawkins advises it needs to be twice as thick as the recommended thickness for clear, black ice.
The Critical '1-10-1' Survival Rule
If a fall through ice occurs, Hawkins underscores the importance of the '1-10-1' rule for surviving cold water immersion.
The first '1' represents one minute. This is the time you have to control your breathing and overcome the initial shock and hyperventilation caused by the frigid water.
The '10' stands for ten minutes of meaningful muscle movement. During this window, you retain enough strength and coordination to attempt self-rescue before your limbs become incapacitated by the cold.
The final '1' signifies one hour. This is the approximate time before hypothermia becomes life-threatening, assuming you are wearing appropriate winter clothing and keep your head above water.
For self-rescue, Hawkins advises turning back toward the direction you came from, as the ice there was recently supporting your weight. Swim while using your fists to break through weak ice until you find a solid edge. Then, pull your upper body onto the ice and kick your legs to propel yourself fully out. "Once you're completely out, don't stand up," he warns. To distribute weight, crawl on all fours back to solid ground.
For bystanders, the priority is to call 911 immediately. If attempting a rescue, keep a safe distance, lie flat to spread your weight, and extend a long object like a hockey stick or rope to the person in the water.
As winter activities continue, the Lifesaving Society's final recommendation is simple: stay close to shore where the ice freezes first and is typically more stable. With the right knowledge and precautions, tragedies on the ice can be prevented.
