With spring quickly approaching, many snowmobilers are taking in the warm weather and heading out for a few last rides. Although the weather is desirable, the increase in temperature also poses a safety concern around ice.
"Warmer weather causes the ice to melt and refreeze continuously, making the ice unsafe for riders to travel on," says Peter Huebner, Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Safety Council's Snowmobile Safety Program. He points out that unsafe ice has lost its dark colour and is more of a white colour with visible cracks through it. "This type of ice is extremely dangerous and is incapable of supporting a snowmobile."
Falling through weakened ice and drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities in the province of Saskatchewan. Riders should do their research and know which areas could pose a hazard to them before heading out. "No matter how thick the ice is, it still poses a serious risk to riders because of its inconsistency," says Huebner.
The Saskatchewan Safety Council would like to remind all riders to think safely while enjoying the rest of the season. Hypothermia and drowning are still safety concerns even with the coming of warm weather. Clothing that is wet loses 90 per cent of its insulating value, causing the body to lose more heat than it produces.
All riders born on or after January 1, 1989 are required by law to complete the Snowmobile Safety Course in order to obtain a permit to ride.
The Saskatchewan Safety Council offers a Snowmobile Safety Course throughout Saskatchewan that covers ice safety. Courses will be offered again at the beginning of the 2011/2012 snowmobile season. To find out more information about snowmobile safety or the Snowmobile Safety Course, please contact the Saskatchewan Safety Council at (306)757-3197.
