Snowmobiling on Ice

Each year, tragic and avoidable snowmobile deaths occur across Canada. Snowmobiles are high-speed vehicles that operate in a hazardous natural environment. Riders are at risk of personal injury and fatalities due to collisions and im­mersion in cold water.

Important facts

  • Canadian Red Cross’ ongoing surveillance of unintentional water-related fatalities tracked 398 snowmobile-related deaths over a period of 20 years and found that snowmobile immersion deaths were largely preventable.
  • The major risk group for snowmobile immersion deaths was 15- to 44-year-old males, with the largest number of deaths occurring among 25- to 34-year-olds.
  • Snowmobiling immersion incidents occurred while riders were travelling on ice, going off-road or off bridges, and 59% of incidents occurred on lakes.
  • Alcohol was present or suspected for 58% of fatalities 15 years of age and older (blood alcohol content was above the legal limit for 37%, below the limit for 12%, and suspected for 9%).
  • Only 3% of people who died in snowmobiling incidents were properly wearing a flotation device such as a lifejacket or survival suit.
  • Other immersion deaths involving motor vehicles on ice include ATV’s and ice fishing using a road vehicle.
  • Among deaths from immersion while on ice, 46% resulted from open holes in the ice, and 42% from falling through thin ice.

Tips

    • It’s important to know your terrain and wear the proper safety equipment.
      • Survey the area you are riding in and identify the potential danger spots.
      • Avoid snowmobiling in the dark, when it is more difficult to detect unsafe conditions.
      • Wear a helmet, a personal flotation device in case of unexpected submersion, and clothing appropriate for the conditions in order to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
      • Carry rescue equipment such as ice picks, a rope, a cell phone (in a waterproof container), and a first aid kit. Other safety equipment to be considered include a flashlight, waterproof matches/lighter, tool kit, candles and survival blanket.
      • Do not consume alcohol before or during a snowmobile outing and ensure you are not tired.
    • Always verify the ice conditions and ensure that ice is at least 25 centimetres thick before snowmobiling on it. Snowmobiles are heavy and require thick ice for support.
      • No ice formed over open water can be considered 100% safe.
      • Where ice is checked for thickness, obey posted signs on when and where ice surface is acceptable for activities.
      • Check with local authorities regarding ice conditions before venturing out.
      • Ensure that the ice across the entire area is a uniform and safe thickness–avoid locations where there are currents or tides.
      • Clear, blue ice is the strongest; grey ice is unsafe as it indicates the presence of water.
      • Avoid ice that has recently frozen, thawed, and then frozen again.
      • Ice conditions can change very quickly—if you are returning from a day of riding, check the ice again before crossing.
    • Always snowmobile with others.
      • Avoid going out on the ice alone; always ride with at least one other snowmobile to ensure rescue is an option.
      • Discuss rescue procedures in advance to ensure all riders know how to perform a rescue safely.
      • Follow the shoreline and leave 15 meters between snowmobiles.
    • Create a trip plan.

 

  • Tell someone:
    • the names of everyone in the group
    • whose snowmobile is being used
    • where you are going, and why
    • when you are leaving
    • when you expect to reach your destination
    • any stops you plan to make along the way
    • when you plan to come back
  • More Information go to www.redcross.ca
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