Snowmobile group: No ice is safe

“They say the ice is safe.” 

That’s the mysterious rum­our often circulated at this time of year among the outdoor fraternity; no one knows who “they” are or where their mis­information started. But in the early weeks of every winter, a few outdoor enthusiasts take that pronouncement as Gospel and have close calls or pay with their lives – occurred this past weekend in central Ontario.

Consequently, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reminds every­one yet again that no ice can be considered 100% safe for travel by any motorized recreational vehicles or trucks, especially at this time of year.

To avoid ice risks, the OFSC recommends that snow­mobilers ride open, land-based, OFSC trails whenever possible. OFSC clubs provide many trails that avoid water crossings altogether and also provide many bridges and culverts to pass over known water safely.

Those making the personal choice to travel on ice by snowmobile are urged to wait until a marked stake line is in place and cross only when they can follow it from shore to shore, without stopping on the ice. While ice crossing is never a sure thing, snowmobilers can also reduce their risk by:

– Never travelling on ice because “they” say it is safe.

– Understanding that ice conditions may vary from day to day, from hour to hour and from place to place.

– Checking ice thickness before riding onto any frozen water. At least 15 centimetres (6 inches) of clear, hard ice is needed to support one snow­mobile.

– Never travelling on ice alone, at night or after consum­ing alcohol.

– Avoiding slushy ice, un­tracked ice, or ice near moving water.

– Staying off ice early or late in the season, or after any sudden and pronounced melt, thaw or rain.

– Wearing a buoyant snow­mobile suit and carrying ice picks.

The federation stated, “Re­mem­ber, you always enter ice at your own risk; neither the OFSC nor its member clubs accept any responsibility or liability for ice crossings or vari­ations in ice conditions.

The OFSC is committed to proactive leadership in promot­ing safe, responsible riding, on and off Ontario snowmobile trails, by building safer snow­mobiling knowledge, attitudes and behaviours through rider education, safety legislation development and enforcement. For more information, visit ofsc.on.ca.

 

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