Understanding ice colour and the “1-10-1” rule is crucial in preventing drownings and staying safe while partaking in on-ice activities. The recent tragic drowning of a man and child in Saint-Zénon, Montreal, serves as a heart-breaking reminder of the importance of adhering to ice safety guidelines. As a response, the Quebec Lifesaving Society is emphasizing certain safety rules to ensure that such tragedies are avoided in the future.

Recognizing the Importance of Ice Colour

The colour of ice is a good initial indicator of its strength. The Quebec Lifesaving Society recommends that individuals be aware of the different colours and what they signify. Clear blue ice is often the strongest and safest, while white opaque or snow ice is half as strong as blue ice. Grey ice, however, is unsafe as the greyness indicates the presence of water. Canadian Red Cross provides a comprehensive guide on this aspect.

Understanding the “1-10-1” Rule

The “1-10-1” rule is a simple way to remember the initial stages of cold water immersion and the body’s response to it. It stands for 1 minute to control breathing, 10 minutes of meaningful movement, and 1 hour before becoming unconscious due to Hypothermia. This rule can be a lifesaver when someone falls into icy water and is endorsed by experts such as Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, a renowned professor of Thermophysiology.

Quebec Lifesaving Society’s Safety Rules

The Quebec Lifesaving Society strongly encourages adhering to some basic safety rules while engaging in on-ice activities. These include never going onto the ice alone, always testing the thickness of the ice before stepping onto it, and carrying safety gear like ice picks and ropes. More details on these guidelines can be found on their official website.

Preventing Future Tragedies

The distressing incident in Saint-Zénon underscores the need for more widespread knowledge and adherence to ice safety guidelines. By understanding ice colour, remembering the “1-10-1” rule, and following the Quebec Lifesaving Society’s safety rules, it is hoped that future tragedies can be avoided. As winter weather continues, let’s prioritize safety and ensure that on-ice activities bring only joy and not sorrow.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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