With spring rapidly approaching, and warmer-than-average temperatures, city and area lakes are beginning to thaw, and in some cases are already open.

These conditions are prompting representatives from Greater Sudbury Fire Services (GSFS) to urge people to stay away.

Ice conditions across the city are varied because each body of water is different, explained George Lalonde, platoon chief with GSFS.

"The ice is melting fairly quickly," he said. "Local lakes vary because of their depths (and current). If the lake is spring fed, it will melt a bit quicker."

Bodies of water with moving currents, such as rivers and creeks, thaw faster than still-water lakes.

"Robinson (Lake), where it goes into Kelly (Lake), is wide open already," he said. "Junction Creek will be open this weekend, guaranteed."

Lake ice should be four inches thick for an average-weight adult to walk safely, according to a Greater Sudbury Police press release, which was issued when lakes first began to freeze over.

"There is a saying: If you don't know, don't go," Lalonde said. "If you don't know the thickness of the ice, don't go onto the ice."

Lalonde said it is important people who are going onto lakes tell someone where they are going, and when they are coming back. That way if they fall through the ice, there is someone who knows where they are.

He also suggest people wear a personal flotation device (lifejacket) on, in case they go through.

"The original shock of you falling into the water will make you gasp for air, because the water is so cold," Lalonde said. "And that's where some people get into trouble, right off the bat, because they inhale water."

"If you do fall in, kick your legs as best you can, and try to do like a seal and flop back onto the top of the ice. Hang on to the ice. It takes a while for hypothermia to set in, so you have some time. Get your upper torso onto the ice and then crawl to safety."

Lalonde said if you see someone fall through the ice, contact 911 right away. Give the best location possible, and GSFS will send one of its ice water rescue teams, which are stationed all over the city.

"The number one thing is stay off the lakes," Lalonde said. "We don't want people following (others) into the ice. Now we have two rescues (instead of one)."