Multiple people fell through the ice on the surface of Harrison Lake lagoon on Monday (Feb. 17) afternoon.
The Harrison Hot Springs Fire Department, B.C. Emergency Health Services and local RCMP were on the scene within minutes. At least four people who fell through the ice were pulled out of the water and wrapped in blankets as they received medical attention.
According to local social media groups, residents have frequently warned people wandering onto the ice in the lagoon of potential danger.
This incident comes two weeks after two Abbotsford brothers – Case and Erik Timmermans – drowned at Grace Lake near Agassiz after falling through the ice while fishing.
B.C. Parks issued some basic guidelines on ice safety; the ice should reach the following minimums to be considered safe to walk or play on:
- 10 cm for walking, cross-country skiing or ice fishing
- 12 cm for snowmobiling
- 20 to 30 cm for a car or small pickup truck
