Despite a recent spell of cooler weather, and plenty of snow in early December, police say the ice of many lakes and rivers in the area is not safe to be on.

Not only is the ice not thick enough, but the Coast Guard ice breaker began cutting a path through the Midland Harbour ice on Sunday, creating more unstable conditions.

Police are worried that people may think the ice is stronger than it really is.

“Ice conditions are poor at best right now,” said OPP Constable Dave Hobson. “The chance of falling through the ice is great and there are people out there already.”

On Monday afternoon in Orillia, an ice boater had a first-hand experience with poor conditions on Lake Couchiching.

The man had to be rescued after his wind-propelled craft broke right through the thin ice.

Fishermen witnessed the incident and called 911.

The man, who was conscious but cold, was brought to shore and taken to a local hospital to be checked over.

Police are also concerned about something that’s happened in the past – snowmobilers taking chances near the giant ice breaking ship.

Pat Murray from the Georgian Bay Snowriders Club said they’ll be telling their riders to stay off of the ice until it is much thicker.

“A lot of people see snow-covered white ice and they think it's safe,” he said.  “Without checking it you definitely don't know what you are getting yourself into.”