Saturday, December 23, 2017

Snowmobile and Ice Safety Awareness

From The Desk of Operations Manager Staff Sergeant Michael Burton

(Midland, ON) - With the recent significant amount of snowfall in the patrol area of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), I along with the detachment members would like to remind snowmobilers and ice surface users of some important safety points.

When ice forms early and may look safe, it is likely not yet thick, strong or stable enough to support much weight. Adhering to land-based OFSC prescribed trails whenever possible offers the safest snowmobile terrain. They provide many trails that avoid water crossings altogether as well as bridges and culverts to pass over known water crossings safely. For more info please view the following link.

http://www.redcross.ca/training-and-certification/swimming-and-water-safety-tips-and-resources/swimming--boating-and-water-safety-tips/ice-safety

According to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) website there are no OFSC trails currently open in the Midland area. Club members are currently using the winter like conditions to clear and make safe the trail system for snowmobile traffic. In the meantime until those trails are open, snowmobile operators are reminded that road travel can be dangerous as other road users may not be expecting snowmobile traffic. For more information please view the following link.

http://www.ofsc.on.ca/

Drinking and Snowmobiling is Drinking and Driving so please make the right decision and please don't drink and snowmobile.

Officers on snowmobile patrol will be checking sleds on the trails and at R.I.D.E. check stops looking for drinking drivers and also for proof of a valid driver's license, valid vehicle registration and insurance when required. For more information please view the following link.

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/snowmobile-safety.shtml

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/french/safety/snowmobile-safety.shtml

Snowmobiling and other ice surface activities are great family outdoor events and we wish everyone to have a safe and memorable experience while participating in these activities in the Heart of Georgian Bay. http://gbay.ca/

Posted at 11:29 AM