Whatever activity takes you out onto a lake this winter, the Lifesaving Society of Manitoba says there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

Pperations manager Kevin Tordisse says, when planning to be out on the ice for the day, someone should always know where you are and when you plan to return.

It's also important to never be alone in case an unfortunate incident does occur.

Tordisse says, if an individual would happen to fall through the ice, the first minute is the most critical in keeping respiratory and breathing problems under control, then the first ten minutes, even in very cold water, the muscles still have enough action to aid in pulling yourself out of the water.

He says having an emergency kit and checking weather conditions before heading out are good precautionary measures.