The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs and the Haliburton County Snowmobile Association maintain trails in our region. On average, trails crossing the lake are officially open and staked by January 25th. Last year, trails were not staked until February 7th and this year are not yet staked. Ice thickness must be at least 8” for trail staking by the snowmobile association. Here is a chart of ice thicknesses for safe usage across a range of activities: https://canadianboating.ca/product-info/ice-safety-chart-is-a-helpful-guideline-as-we-move-in-canada-s-winter/
Before you head out on snowmobile trails on our lakes and through our forests, check trail status here: https://ofsc.evtrails.com/#
Consider safety before you go! According to Ontario’s Lifesaving Society, 35% of drownings in Canada occur from October to April and 62% of all snowmobile accidents involve ice or open water. The Federation of Ontario Cottage Associations (FOCA) reminds us that “No ice is completely safe ice”. They also have a very informative video on their website produced by the Safe Boating Council. You can view it here:
Ice Safety – How To Perform A Self Rescue
Remember these important points:
- Keep your head above the water to avoid inhaling the frigid waters
- Cold water shock lasts the first 1-3 minutes
- Try to stay calm to control your breathing and avoid hyperventilation
- Retrace your tracks by getting out in the same direction where you fell in
- Stretch your arms onto the ice and kick with your legs to get your body on the ice shelf (Having ice picks makes this easier. They are quite inexpensive and available at Canadian Tire)
- Once you are out, roll away in the direction that you came before falling in
Find out more about the 1-10- 1 Principle at the Canadian Safe Boating Council 1-10-1 Principle
1 Minute Cold Shock – 10 Minutes Cold Incapacitation – 1 Hour Hypothermia
Lead photo credit: Joan Hamilton