The Canadian Coast Guard vessel Ann Harvey is scheduled to conduct icebreaking operations in the Botwood area over the next day or two.

The Coast Guard warns the public that conditions around the icebreaker can be dangerous.

They note broken and fragmented ice, along with ridges left behind by vessels, may not re-freeze immediately and can pose risks for those venturing onto the ice.

Snowfall can further obscure those hazards, officials say, creating unsafe conditions long after the icebreaker has passed through an area.

Residents are urged to remove mobile equipment from the ice in advance of the ship’s arrival and to secure permanent property.

The Coast Guard also cautions that ice can crack or shift unexpectedly, even far from the vessel’s location.

Those using the ice for recreational or work purposes are advised to take appropriate precautions in light of the icebreaking activity.