January 5, 2016

Be advised that the ponds at Medicine Hat College are not designated for winter activities, such as skating. While the ponds may look like they are frozen it can be dangerous and potentially life threatening to venture onto ice. Ice must be at least 10 centimetres (4 inches) thick before it can maintain the weight of a person and to freeze to the right thickness, the temperature must be well below freezing for several weeks. 

When ice forms on an open body of water, it doesn’t freeze at a unified thickness. Ice strength is affected by the depth of the water, size of the water body, the water’s chemistry, the distribution of the weight on the ice and climatic factors. The ice on campus is not maintained to support recreation or any other activity; therefore, any activity on the ice is prohibited in the interest of personal safety. Your cooperation is appreciated.