Man dies after falling through ice

Jan 27, 2016

Carl Foster, 69, whose family described him as a man who loved to hunt and fish, was traversing Inverary Lake in South Frontenac in a Kubota covered 4-wheeler on January 23 when he hit a soft spot in the ice and his vehicle went through. His fishing companion, who was following him in his own vehicle, tried to pull him out, but also went into the icy water. He was able to get out. The OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit attended the scene and located Foster's body. OPP officials said that there was a strong current at that part of the lake, which made the ice thin and hindered the search and recovery as well.

Roop Sandhu, of the Frontenac OPP detachment, said that residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling on lake ice at all times.

“We don't provide assessments of the ice thickness on specific lakes, however, since it is not within our mandate,” said Sandhu.

Both the Mississippi (MVCA) and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities (RVCA) have issued warnings about unstable ice conditions on lakes within their respective watersheds.

This week, the RVCA issued a blanket statement covering all lakes and streams in the Rideau system: “Water levels on lakes and flows in watercourses are close to normal for the time of year. However, as conditions change through this thaw period, water levels will increase, and ice on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers that had just begun to form will become more unstable, posing potential safety risks. Caution should be exercised by everyone when near local streams and rivers.”

The statement from MVCA focused on lakes within the main river system.

“Ice that has just recently formed may be affected by changing flows, especially on the main river systems (Mississippi River including Kashwakamak Lake, Farm Lake, Crotch Lake, Dalhousie Lake and Mississippi Lake, Clyde River including Kerr Lake, Fall River including Bennett Lake and the Carp River) ...Residents on Dalhousie and Mississippi Lakes can expect higher than normal water levels for the next few weeks as increased flows in the upper watershed make their way through the system.

Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice-covered water bodies as currents can change ice thicknesses drastically. Parents are urged to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice-covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. Hypothermia is a major concern for anyone playing in areas where they could potentially fall into open water.”