The tragic drowning death of a six year old Airdrie boy who fell through the ice on a canal over the weekend has the High River Fire Department reminding parents about the dangers of thin ice.

Fire Prevention Officer Clayton Rutberg says the irrigation canal running through High River's north end is never a safe place to walk on the ice.

"Any of the moving water is always unpredictable. Particularly with those type of things where the levels can fluctuate. And the ice you just never know what thickness it's going to be at."

Although the irrigation canal and other storm water retention ponds are fenced off and well marked, Rutberg says that doesn't always keep people out.

"Just because there's the fences and stuff around doesn't mean that kids might not try to get in. I think the biggest part as parents is educating them to watch out for that stuff."

Rutberg also points out Emerson, Sunshine and Highwood lakes all have clearly posted signs that the ice thickness is not monitored by the Town and is to be used with caution and at your own risk.

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Signs on lakes around High River state very clearly they're to be used with caution and at your own risk.