The Saskatchewan Government is reminding residents to take proper precautions before heading out onto frozen bodies of water this winter.

The province says it’s always best to check ice thickness before heading out, also taking into consideration that thickness can vary greatly from one side of a lake or river to another.

As a guideline you need at least 10 cm to walk, 20 cm to drive a snowmobile or ATV, 30 cm to drive a car or small truck and at least a foot before a half ton or large truck can safely drive on a frozen surface.

Avoid ice that “looks slushy”, has thawed and frozen again, is near moving water, is layered or has structures on it such as “pressure ridges”.

More information can be found on the province’s website.