As winter weather settles into the area, the Ontario Provincial Police West Region is reminding residents that “no ice is safe ice,” urging extreme caution around frozen ponds, lakes, and rivers.
The warning comes as fluctuating temperatures create thin, unstable ice that can give way without warning—putting anyone who ventures onto it at risk of cold-water immersion, which can become life-threatening within minutes.
Snowmobilers are also being asked to take extra care as the season begins. Police advise riders to stay on designated trails, avoid unfamiliar areas—especially after dark—and check weather and trail conditions before heading out. Proper clothing, a fully charged cellphone, and safety tools such as ice picks and throw ropes can make a critical difference in an emergency.
The OPP also stresses the importance of never riding alone, letting someone know your planned route, and avoiding alcohol or drugs, which impair judgment and reduce the body’s ability to stay warm.
Police say emergency response can take longer during winter conditions, making preparation even more important. Riders are encouraged to carry a first-aid kit and survival supplies, and to ensure their snowmobiles are in good mechanical condition before hitting the trails.
Anyone who sees someone fall through the ice should call 911 immediately and avoid attempting a rescue without proper training and equipment.
The OPP says the goal is simple: make safety the priority so everyone can return home after a day on the trails.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
