As temperatures are fluctuating for most of Saskatchewan, we are reminded to check for safe and sufficient ice before taking part in winter activities such as ice fishing.

"We get ice on the river, however, we don't get very safe ice on the river, because there is runoff from the road and the road contains salt and things like that," says Weyburn Fire Chief Simon Almond. "Whereas Nickel Lake should the temperature get sufficient, you get fairly safe ice on the lake."

The Weyburn Fire Department performs training and carries equipment for both water rescue and ice water rescue.

"We want people to avoid if it's slushie in appearance if it has thawed and frozen again, the faster the water typically flows the less ice builds up if the ice appears to be layered because it's had that freeze and thaw cycle," says Almond.

In Almond's time in Weyburn, they have only responded to one of two incidents. Often times when people are venturing out onto unsafe ice, or allowing a pet onto unsafe ice.

Residents are also reminded to keep your pets on a leash if you are around frozen bodies of water.