Snowmobiler Falls Through Ice – Name Of Deceased Released

(BONFIELD, ONT)-On April 12, 2015, at approximately 3:00 p.m., North Bay Ontario Provincial Police(OPP) responded to a call of a person who had gone through the ice on Lake Nosbonsing, Bonfield Township.

Roland BELLAIRE, age 49, of Bonfield Township, was crossing Lake Nosbonsing when his snowmobile went through the ice.

North Bay Emergency Medical Services (EMS) attended the scene and transported the driver to hospital with life threatening injuries where he later succumbed to his injuries.

North Bay OPP cautions area residents about thin ice conditions in the North Bay area. Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. Check thickness regularly as you move further out on the ice.

The strongest ice is clear blue in color. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice with honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided. Travelling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 10 centimetres (4 inches) of clear blue ice is required for walking on, 20 centimetres (8 inches) for snowmobiles and 30 centimetres (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double these amounts if the ice is white or opaque. A layer of heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down freezing.

Avoid travelling on ice at night, as it is very difficult to see open holes in the ice. This is a frequent cause of snowmobile related drownings. Never go onto the ice alone; a friend may be able to rescue you or go for help if you get into difficulty. Stay off river ice, as currents can quickly change ice thickness overnight or between different parts of a river. Wearing a snowmobile flotation suit can increase your survival chances if you do go through the ice.

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