Two snowmobilers have been rescued after falling through the ice on Muskoka Lake.
Muskoka Lakes Fire got the call around 1:15pm that a pair of sledders had gone through the ice on Lake Muskoka near Whitings Road in the Torrance area.
Bracebridge OPP and Muskoka Paramedic Services also responded.
When crews arrived an off-duty firefighter had reported seeing the sleds go through the ice between Bala Island and Acton Island.
The off-duty member and a person he was with attempted rescue but were thwarted by the poor ice conditions. They then told the snowmobilers to make their way toward Bala Island.
The Muskoka Lakes Fire Ice Rescue team were then on the scene, and they immediately crossed to where there was still a snowmobile on the ice.
As the search continued for the snowmobilers the members began to fall through the ice, though they were protected by the dry suit gear used in such rescues.
The OPP helicopter then arrived on scene eventually locating the missing sledders on Bala Island. One man was transported to South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. Â Firefighters reached the second man on the island after making their way over from Acton Island.
At this time it seems neither snowmobiler received life-threatening injuries despite the chilling minus 20 temperatures today.
No injuries were reported among the 15 or so firefighters that responded to the call as well.
The OPP and Muskoka Lakes Fire remind snowmobilers how important it is to know the conditions in the area as currents and open water abound despite the freezing temperatures.
Not knowing places the snowmobiler and the would-be rescuers that attempt to save people in emergency situations into a potentially dangerous position.