With another winter about to get under way, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay encourages the public and those who ice fish to make the season a safe one.

"Ensuring safety is the key to enjoying outdoor winter activities," said Ramsay. "Ice conditions can be deceptive and variable. Do not go out on the ice if you are unsure."

Here are important ice fishing safety facts:

1) Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. This can be particularly evident at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out. Anglers should check thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as they move further out on the ice.

2) Not all ice is created equal. Ice that has formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.

3) Clear blue ice is the strongest. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice that has a honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided altogether.

4) Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At
least 20 centimetres (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double this amount if the ice is white or opaque.

5) Remember that heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down the freezing process.