Muskoka Lakes Fire to Conduct NFPA 1006 Ice Water Training Course (March 6 – 8)
Emergency personnel will be present from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the end of West St. in Port Carling during March 6 – 8. This is a planned training, not an emergency.
MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, March 3, 2026 – The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department (“Muskoka Lakes Fire”) will be conducting an NFPA 1006 Ice Water Rescue Training Course on March 6, 7, and 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the end of West St. in Port Carling, ON.
Over the three days, fire apparatus and emergency personnel will be active in and around this area. Residents may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and on-ice training activity.
This nationally recognized course focuses on ice and cold water rescue techniques and will include participation from Muskoka Lakes Fire and district partner fire services.
The exercise supports an ongoing commitment to maintaining a high level of preparedness and ensuring the safety of both responders and the community. Members of the public are asked to stay clear of training areas and follow any posted signage or direction from on-site personnel.
Location:
What to expect:
Ice Safety: Think Twice Before You Step on Ice
No ice is ever completely safe. Recent warm temperatures followed by colder weather have created unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions across lakes and waterways.
If you plan to be on the ice, remember these key safety reminders:
- Check Before You Go: Ice conditions can change quickly and vary across the same lake. Always check ice thickness often and do not rely on past conditions or tracks from others.
- Go With a Partner: Never go out alone. Let someone know where you are going, your route, and when you plan to return.
- Be Ready for an Emergency: Wear ice picks and a flotation or survival suit. Carry a whistle and a charged cellphone in case help is needed.
- Stay Away From Moving Water: Avoid rivers, locks, narrows, inlets, and outlets. Ice near moving or spring-fed water can be unsafe at any time.
- General Guidelines: Clear ice should be a minimum of 10 centimeters (four inches) for walking and ice fishing, 12 cm (five inches) for one snowmobile or ATV, 20-30 cm (eight to 12 inches) for a car or small pickup, and 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) for a medium truck.
For more information and tips, visit: Winter outdoor safety – Parachute
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For more information, please contact:
Ryan Murrell
Fire Chief, Muskoka Lakes Fire Department
(705) 765-3156 x261
C: (705) 646-5282
rmurrell@muskokalakes.ca
For general or media inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca
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Contact Us
Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755
communications@muskokalakes.ca
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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