The City of Winnipeg is warming that ice is not only on the city's retention ponds is not safe, but also on the Red River. As spring approaches it is important to recognize the longer days and sunshine is melting all the ice around the city. The thin ice warning is actually in effect year-round for retention ponds as the ice conditions are not routinely monitored.
As a result of negligence, one person was transported to the hospital after being swept away in the Red River. Winnipeg's water rescue crew responded to the Red River just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9th.
A rescue was launched and the person was located approximately 7.5 meters from shore. The rescued person was brought to safety and transported to a hospital in unstable condition.
As of now, there is no information about the cause of the incident and how long the patient was in the water.
The city is reminding people that all waterways and ponds in the city are not safe, as Ice is thin and dangerous. Parents and teachers are reminded to talk to their children about ice and water safety.
The Manitoba Government is predicting major flooding this spring along the Red River. A Sustainable Development Minister Ron Schuler issued the first flood forecast of the year.
The communities along the river banks know very well how dangerous floods could be. From the destruction power of moving water, that destroys houses and vehicles, to a deadly danger for people, who get caught by the stream. The biggest area of concern is the Red River and Highway 75, which leads from Winnipeg to the USA border.
The floods like this can be very dangerous and force authorities to close roads, highways, and bridges. In situations like this, the citizen`s and resident`s safety is a top priority for the Winnipeg City authorities and the Federal Government.