2021-Jan-16
OPP Safety Reminders for Outdoor Activities During the Lockdown
As the first weekend of the provincial Stay at Home legislation lockdown begins, members of the Southern Georgian Bay detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind all persons who do venture outdoors that area ice surfaces may be snow covered and appear safe to travel on. Unfortunately, locally we have not had the kind of cold weather required for the formation of ice required for winter activities so if ice travel is necessary please check with local residents and fish hut operators before heading out on any ice surface- Know Before You GO.
Detachment officers will be on snowmobile patrol this weekend checking for impaired snowmobile operators as well as for proper equipment, permits and monitoring riders speed while on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail system.
All outdoor enthusiasts are reminded of recreational amenities that remain open under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020, Ontario Regulation 82/20, including snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, ice skating, dogsledding and snow shoeing. All participants should comply with all other health and provincial directives when participating in outdoor activities, such as maintaining physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Snowmobile operators are advised to check trail conditions prior to heading out and the following internet web sites can provide an insight into those conditions and whether the trails are open or still closed:
Fishing enthusiasts may wish to check the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) website.
If you have to travel out onto an ice surface always remember that “No Ice Is Safe Ice” and you need to be aware of current, past weather conditions and recent commercial ice breaking activity along with checking with area residents who have “local knowledge of ice conditions”.
Remember the “1-10-1 Rule” before venturing onto the ice. You have 1 minute to catch your breath, 10 minutes of active movement and 1 hour to get rescued. But what if you have no way to call for help, or we are more than an hour away? This #HolidaySeason, remember #NoIceIsSafeIce pic.twitter.com/aNOBZhc92A
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) December 26, 2020