NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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KIRKLAND LAKE - The Kirkland Lake Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind all outdoor enthusiasts of the dangers of the insecure ice on local lakes and rivers.
Remember ‘no ice is without risk’. If you travel on the ice, you put your life and the lives of the people who come to your assistance at risk. If you go through the ice, remember the 1-10-1 rule – you have one minute to gain your composure, to get your breath; you have ten minutes to get out of the water; and you have less than one hour to get yourself warm.
The strongest ice is clear/blue in colour, opaque/white ice is much weaker. At least 10 centimetres (4 inches) of clear blue ice is required for walking, 12 centimetres (5 inches) for snowmobiles and 20 centimetres (8 inches), minimum, is needed for most light vehicles. A layer of heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down freezing. Travelling on the ice with snowmobiles or vehicles can be potentially very dangerous and added precautions must be taken. Avoid slushy ice, untracked ice, or ice near moving water or dock bubblers.
Proper use of safety equipment can reduce the risks when travelling over ice covered bodies of water. Some of these include the wearing of survival suits, carrying ice picks (used to grip the ice to pull yourself out of the water) and carrying a rescue rope.
The OPP and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) are reminding snowmobilers to take personal responsibility for their own safety and well-being this winter. Snowmobilers are advised to go online at www.ofsc.on.ca to check on the status of local trails.
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