Man falls through ice during snowmobile test drive

SELWYN TOWNSHIP — Mark Dec. 11 as the date of the first snowmobiler through the ice this season — and hopefully last of 2018 (at least for a few more weeks).

The snowmobiler had just bought his sled when he took it for a test drive Tuesday night and went through the ice near Peterborough.

Provincial police were called to assist a sledder who went through the ice on Chemong Lake, near the causeway shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

The male driver was taking his recently purchased snowmobile for a test drive when he went through the ice.

He was able to exit the water with assistance from a friend and did not require medical treatment. The snowmobile is to be removed from the water the next day.

The Ministry of the Environment was notified by police.

The male was charged with one offence under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act, “fail to display evidence of permit.”

Peterborough County OPP officers within the local detachment and the OPP’s Snow Vehicle, All Terrain Vehicle and Vessel Enforcement Unit (S.A.V.E.) will be conducting snow vehicle patrols throughout the season and want to remind riders of some important safety tips that will help make your ride safe;

  • Drivers and passengers must always wear a snowmobile helmet that meets the standards approved for motorcycle helmets, with the chin strap securely.
  • Obey speed limits and road/trail signs and always drive within your ability.
  • Reduce your speed when driving at night (don’t out drive your headlights) and watch out for fences, guide wires and other objects that are more difficult to spot out at night. Wear reflective clothing so that you are more visible to others.
  • Know your local by-laws. Some prohibit snowmobiles from being operated on boulevards and sidewalks and have restricted hours of nightly operation.
  • Avoid driving on frozen lakes and rivers. If it can’t be avoided, check ice conditions beforehand, wear a floater suit and carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible. No ice is safe ice.
  • Never travel alone and tell someone of your outing including; your destination, the route, description of your snowmobile and your expected time of return.
  • Never drive impaired. Alcohol, illegal drugs, even prescription and over the counter drugs can slow your reaction time and affect your ability to make good decisions. If convicted of impaired driving on a snowmobile, you will lose your driving privileges for all types of vehicles including motor vehicles, commercial vehicles and motorcycles.
  • Snowmobile operators are obligated to carry documents with them when operating a motorized snow vehicle. A valid driver’s licence or motorized snow vehicle operator’s licence, the vehicle’s registration permit and proof of insurance. If riding on a prescribed Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Club (OFSC) trail, then a valid OFSC trail permit is required to be affixed in the proper fashion to your snowmobile.

Be prepared and pack an emergency/survival kit, spare parts, tow rope and a fully charged mobile device.