The OPP is sending an ice safety message to residents ahead of the weekend reminding you to ‘know before you go’.
As the first weekend of the provincial Stay At Home legislation lockdown starts, police remind everyone venturing outdoors that area ice surfaces may be snow-covered and only appear safe to travel on.
But appearances are often deceiving and in the Midland area we haven’t had the kind of cold weather required for the formation of ice required for winter activities.
So if ice travel is necessary, please check with local residents and fish hut operators before heading out on any ice surface – Know Before You Go.
South Georgian Bay OPP Detachment officers will be on snowmobile patrol this weekend checking for impaired sledders as well as for proper equipment, permits and monitoring riders speed while on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system.
All outdoor enthusiasts are reminded of recreational amenities that remain open under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, ice skating, dog-sledding and snowshoeing.
All participants should comply with all health and provincial directives when participating in outdoor activities, such as maintaining physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Snowmobilers are advised to check trail conditions prior to heading out and the following internet web sites can provide an insight into those conditions and whether the trails are open or still closed:
Sledders will want to check Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Mid Ontario Snowmobile Clubs
Anglers may want to view the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) website www.ofah.org/covid19/faq
If you have to travel onto an ice surface always remember that “No Ice is Safe Ice” and be aware of current and past weather conditions and recent commercial ice-breaking activity along with checking with area residents who have local knowledge of ice conditions.
The following websites are a must-see for those who travel on ice surfaces – Cold Water Boot Camp along with https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641 and https://twitter.com/OPPCommissioner/status/1346509378027970564
Unlawfully removing trail signs can create some very dangerous situations and if you have knowledge of anyone removing OFSC trail signs please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Police remind snowmobilers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, through community partnerships we educate the public about safe driving practices. #NeverDriveImpaired
MYTH: If thick ice has formed on one area of the lake/river, it must be safe everywhere FACT: Ice thickness varies depending on currents, ties, moving water and a variety of other factors. #NoIceIsSafeIce, but if you do venture out on #ice know the area & check with local anglers pic.twitter.com/e1pyxvhejW
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) January 14, 2021
