THUNDER BAY — Venturing onto the ice in Thunder Bay's harbour is a dangerous proposition at this time of year.
Three individuals who put their safety at risk received a warning Monday afternoon after firefighters were dispatched on Thunder Bay Fire Rescue's air boat.
William Falshaw, acting platoon chief, said a passerby notified the fire department after noticing them heading out from Marina Park toward the breakwall.
"The airboat was out on the lake. We went out to meet with the people, and encouraged them to come back to shore where Thunder Bay Police talked to them. Any ice this time of year is becoming unstable. As temperatures rise, water starts to flow and erode the ice."
The ice has also been made more unstable by icebreaking operations that took place before the opening of navigation.
Falshaw said the harbour is federally-controlled, and it is illegal to go onto the ice there.
"It's against the law to be out there when it's frozen. They can be charged with trespassing," he said.
A spokesperson for the Thunder Bay Port Authority, which has jurisdiction over the harbour, said the authority has a regulation that prohibits travelling on the ice.
