It is this time of year that safety on the ice becomes very important. While there might not be a lot of ice on the lakes and river in the southeast yet, the RCMP are reminding residents to set a step back before trying out the ice. 

"Make sure you check the thickness first of all," explained RCMP's Sgt. Tim Schwarts. "Don't just assume because it has been cold and you don't see any open water that the ice is frozen and thick enough to keep you or whether it be a skidoo or a vehicle. My two cents is just to be sure of the thickness and don't go alone, that's probably the big thing as well."

He added that ice safety is usually common sense.

"If you see open water, it's not recommended to be on the ice. For a person, just to be on themselves walking or cross country skiing, it's recommended it should be four inches or ten centimeters thickness."