(POWASSAN, ON) – On January 16, 2016, members of the Powassan Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were informed of an overdue person on a snow machine.
Police were informed that the person had gone out in a snow storm on January 15, at approximately 10:45 p.m. The intended destination was approximately half an hour away. The snowmobiler was an experienced driver, knew the area well and had no concerns with traveling between these locations.
Police were called at approximately 3:30 a.m. when the driver did not arrive at his destination.
The OPP commenced a search in the area and then learned that the male had been located, reporting that he had fallen through the ice and had used a screwdriver he found in his pocked to claw himself out of the water. Once out of the water, he attended the nearest residence he could find and called for help.
For this person, it was a positive outcome.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are launching Provincial Snowmobile Safety Week (January 16-24, 2016) with a message for snowmobilers to focus on their own personal safety and the well-being of others.
With the campaign getting underway this weekend, the OPP and OFSC are reminding snowmobile enthusiasts to stay off the lakes and waterways for the time-being, as conditions are generally poor in many parts of the province.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE GOING OUT ON THE TRAILS
Preparing your snowmobile for every trip is an important thing to do to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Check local weather forecasts and local ice conditions before heading out, as they can change very quickly. Avoid travelling on unmarked frozen lakes and rivers. Let someone know where you are starting from, going to and when you expect to be back. Use the buddy system; do not drive your snowmobile alone, and always ride within your abilities and according to conditions.
Ensure you have a first-aid kit, rope, drive belt, spark plugs, flashlight, hatchet, extra fuel, matches in a waterproof container and power/granola bars.
If you plan on travelling on frozen lakes and rivers, wear a buoyant snowmobile suit and carry ice picks that are readily available.
“When heading out on your snowmobile, ensure your snowmobile is in good working order and that you have the appropriate safety equipment and clothing. Stay off waterway unless you are certain they are safe for snowmobile travel, otherwise you are putting yourself and emergency service personnel at risk. Plan ahead and arrive alive.” said Staff Sergeant Laura Houliston, Commander of the North Bay OPP Detachment.
For more information, click on the following links:
Safe and Responsible Snowmobiling
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs