No ice is safe ice. That’s the reminder from the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment after two reports of sledders going through the ice and into the water over the weekend. The first report came in at about three on Sunday afternoon on Fairlain Lake.
Two snowmobilers were east bound on Concession 17, which is east of Tiny Township, when one of the riders ventured out onto the lake. He did a loop and just as he was heading back to shore the ice broke. He fell in about 30 metres from shore in water that was around two metres deep. Two snowmobilers on shore tried to help him out but were unsuccessful, so the police were called and arrived to help him out. The officers and paramedics crept along the ice and were able toss an emergency rope to get him out of the water. He was taken to the hospital and treated for hypothermia, and has since been released.
The second report came in at about four on Sunday afternoon. A sledder went through ice at the south end of Penetanguishene Bay. He was able to get back to shore safely.
Sledders are being reminded to stay off of the ice and snowmobile trails until they are officially open for the season.
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