Safe snowmobiling week begins with drowning death in Sturgeon Lake
ORILLIA — A Courtice man is the latest victim of another snowmobile drowning death, say the OPP.
Members of the Kawartha Lakes Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were called to assist with a report of snowmobilers that had entered the water on Sturgeon Lake South West of Bobcaygeon shortly after 6 p.m. on January 20.
Two males were observed in the open water, Police and witnesses were able to successfully rescue a 46-year-old male.
City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department initiated an open water rescue. City of Kawartha Lakes EMS were on scene to deliver immediate attention to the recovered male. A search of the area for the second male was conducted by City of Kawartha Lakes Fire Department, OPP officers and a helicopter from Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC Trenton). Search of the area was called off shortly after 11pm.
Members of the OPP Aviation Services and Underwater Search and Recovery Unit (USRU) attended the location on January 21 and located the 48 year old male shortly before 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The deceased snowmobile rider has been identified as: Earl Strong, age 48 of Courtice, Ontario.
He was transported to The Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit at the Forensic Services and Coroners Complex in Toronto for a post mortem examination.
The OPP say report that this season is also the worst on record for snowmobilers whose ride took a tragic turn while travelling on frozen waterways.
The OPP responded to 27 snowmobile deaths during the 2016-2017 season, marking the highest number of fatalities since the winter of 2003-2004.
One third (9) of last season’s victims died as a result of their snowmobiles either going through the ice or entering open water.
As the OPP kicks off Safe Snowmobile Week with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), they are urging snowmobilers to leave all forms of risky behaviour behind when heading out for a ride, especially when riding on frozen waterways.
“The spike in snowmobile fatalities and all-time record high in ice-related deaths last season are unacceptable. The vast majority of the 27 snowmobilers who died took unnecessary risks instead of making it a safe, enjoyable ride that got them home safely to their families. With very few exceptions, speeding, driving too fast for the conditions, consuming alcohol, riding on unsafe ice and other risky behaviours are what lead to snowmobile deaths every year,” said Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair, Provincial Commander, Traffic Safety and Operational Support in a release this week.
“Snowmobiling occurs in an unpredictable and uncontrollable natural setting with inherent risks that demand constant rider preparedness, vigilance, caution, unimpaired reaction and smart decisions. The OFSC encourages all snowmobilers to click on the GO Safe link on our website to learn about how they can enjoy the safest ride possible,” added Lisa Stackhouse, Manager, Participation and Partnership Development, OFSC.
LEARN MORE: OPP Provincial SAVE Unit
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
