Today marks the start of Snowmobile Safety Week in Ontario.
Bancroft’s new Communications Officer, Constable Daniel Cook, says he hopes sledders enjoy the season but do so safely.
“Snowmobiling is an exciting and popular winter activity, especially in our area. However every year in Canada there’s an average of 73 snowmobilers that are killed and many more that suffer serious injuries. Many of the tragedies come from operator error, overconfidence, speed, alcohol or inexperience.
And we just ask that people operating snowmobiles do so in a safe manner this year.”
Over the past 10 snowmobile seasons, 145 snowmobilers have lost their lives in OPP jurisdictions.
Nearly 40 per cent of the fatalities occurred on frozen lakes and rivers, locations that account for the highest number of snowmobile deaths.
Officer Cook reminds everyone that “no ice is safe ice” as frozen lakes and rivers carry an inherent degree of uncertainty and the only way to ensure one’s safety is to avoid frozen waterways altogether.
He says when 911 is called, it can be a team effort to rescue those in peril, which can put emergency responders at risk as well.
“We do have the snowmobiles, we have the ATV’s to get out on the trails, get where we need to go. A lot of the times we’ll engage firefighters who are generally trained to get out on the ice and they have equipment to do so.”
With Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week running from February 10 to 17, 2025, riders are encouraged to get up to date on what they need to do to keep themselves, their passengers and fellow riders safe throughout the season.
For more information about the OFSC and snowmobile safety, visit: https://www.ofsc.on.ca/safety/.
