Provincial Constable Serge Duguay wants to remind people—including snowmobile and ATV riders—that “no ice is safe ice.” Duguay released the statement when the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) rescued two people after they walked too far out on the ice on February 18. Only a few days after the notice did Duguay hear about two more ice-related accidents in another region.
OPP increase presence after multiple snowmobile-related deaths
For the OPP, it’s simple: never trust the ice. And lakes and rivers become much more dangerous when operating a heavy motorized vehicle, such as a snowmobile or ATV. In fact, snowmobiling causes 35 per cent of Canadian drownings between October and April, according to the Life Saving Society. These accidents happen because of thin and unpredictable ice, says Duguay. “Water is colder than you think, and it only takes a few minutes to go into cold water shock,” he says. And given how unpredictable the weather has been—at least in parts of Ontario—it isn’t a surprise that lake ice has been unpredictable.
Great Lakes’ ice coverage is at a record low
Never trust the ice
Duguay advises that snowmobilers never trust the ice due to underlying currents and pockets of air, which can create thin ice, even in colder temperatures. “Avoid open holes in lakes and rivers, stay on the trail, don’t ride at night, and avoid slushy areas,” he says. Slush indicates that the ice may be fragile after being refrozen multiple times. He emphasizes, “If the trail is closed, stay off; it’s closed for a reason.”
If you plan to venture out on the icy lakes and rivers, Duguay recommends measuring the thickness of the ice, as it is impossible to determine by appearance. The Life Saving Society recommends it be at least five inches thick before going out on a snowmobile or ATV.
And don’t be fooled by common snow myths. “Light snow can cover the hidden dangers of ice,” Duguay says. According to the Life Saving Society, it’s not true that a layer of snow makes the ice thicker. Instead, it acts like an insulated blanket that slows ice formation.
Can you guess which of these ice safety “tips” are actually myths?
You’re in the water—now what?
“Don’t panic!” Duguay says. “There’s usually a way to backtrack.”
Your clothes will likely trap air if you fall in, keeping you afloat and buying you enough time to follow the next steps.
1) Place your hands and arms on the unbroken surface.
2) Use your feet to kick and propel yourself onto the ice.
3) Don’t stand up; instead, go on your stomach, like a seal.
4) Finally, roll away until the ice is sturdy.
Is there a maximum possible thickness for lake ice?
How to protect yourself from ice-related accidents
“Always ride with a buddy,” says Duguay. “Follow the trails and speeds posted.” He also recommends packing a bag with a waterproof cell phone—or a phone in a waterproof case—a rope, ice picks, a first aid kit, waterproof matches, tool kits, survival blankets, and a flashlight.
And take a snowmobile safety course, Duguay says. “Stay up-to-date on the latest trail news, and attend private safety events throughout the season.”
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