The Rural Voice, 2003-12, Page 44impair your hearing. Never assume
what another snowmobiler will do.
• Wildlife.
• Trail washouts and flooding.
• Snowbanks and moguls.
• Road and railway crossings
• Unexpected corners, intersections
and stops.
• Bridges, open water and unsafe ice.
• Logging operations.
Drowning is one of the leading
causes of snowmobile fatalities. The
Mid -Ontario Snowmobile Trails
people warn that ice conditions can
change in a period of hours and so
snowmobilers are best to stay off the
ice altogether. If you must cross ice,
ask first, then stay on the packed or
marked trail. Don't stop until you
reach shore. If you hit slush, don't let
off the throttle. If you are following
someone who hits slush, veer off and
make your own path.
If you must travel over lakes and
rivers, consider using a buoyant
snowmobile suit which will assist
you to reach the closest ice surface if
you go into the water. Also carry a
set of picks which will help you grip
the edge of the ice more easily.
As a rule of thumb, "If you don't
know, don't go," the group says.
If you break through ice, don't
panic but follow these self -rescue
procedures:
• Kick vigorously into a horizontal
position and swim to the nearest ice
edge.
• Place hands/arms on unbroken ice
while kicking hard to propel your
body onto the ice, like a seal.
• Once clear, stay flat and roll away
to stronger ice.
• Stand, keep moving and find shelter
fast.
Education is one of the best ways
to prevent death or injury. Luckily,
anyone 12 years of older (the
minimum age for use of a trail) who
does not have a driver's licence of
any kind, must graduate from an
Ontario Federation of Snowmobile
Clubs' driver training course to
receive a snowmobile permit.
Safety should be enough of a
concern itself but enforcement
always seems necessary. The Ontario
Provincial Police has created its
SAVE (Snowmobile, All -terrain,
Vessel Enforcement) units to patrol
trails and try to make sure more
snowmobilers make through to
spring alive.0
40 THE RURAL VOICE
•AKKawasaki
PCl/0
122 Huron Road, Mitchell, ON
NOK 1NO
Recreational, Lawn and Garden Equipment
Specializing in Snowmobiles, AN's,
Motorcycles and Marine
Also Carrying A Small Line of Hunting
and Fishing Equipment
Ph. (519) 348-0404 Fax. (519) 348-0424
`1 unketd .Reatauteant
Weekend Buffet • Sunday Brunch • Catering
(519) 881-0479
4 1/2 miles N W of Walkerton on Bruce Cty . Rd. 3
LION'S HEAD
BEACH MOTEL
* Extra Large Rooms with Kitchens
* Excellent View of Beach and Cliffs
* Easy access to winter sports trails
1 McNeil Street, Box 328 Lion's Head, ON NOH 1WO
519-793-3155 or fax 519-793-4560
Ihbm89@msn.com
OPEN ALL YEAR
vA YAMAHA
Snowmobiles, ATVs, Motorcycles
lit Outdoor Pottier Equipment
130 Centre St., Dashwood
237-3322
Hours Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
COLBORNE
SKI -D00
SALES & SERVICE
skidoo
Bulk Bombardier injection oil
°21.95 per 4 L
Bring your own container.
24 Lake St.. SHALLOW LAKE
519-935-2659
SOUTH GREY REGIONAL
SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 208
Mount Forest, Ontario NOG 2L0
MEMBER CLUBS
• FERGUS•ELORA-BELWOOD SNOWMOBILE CLUB
• AKTriU4 SNOWBLAZERS • CONN CRUISERS
• MOUNT FOREST DRIFTERS
• DURHAM TRAILBLAZERS
1,000 kms. of groomed trail
five large industrial groomers
An association investing in the future of snowmobiling
For updated trail conditions and coming events
CALL 1.800.682-8905
Or check our WEBSITE@www.southgreysnowmobile.ca
M iddegaa l
POOLS & SPORTS
POLRRIS
SALES, SERVICE, PARTS
Full Line of Accessories & Clothing
(519) 527-0104
234 Main St N Seaforth NOK 1 WO
.5Xeodeo#te Motor Inn
14 spacious rooms with individually controlled heat
Free in -room coffee
Full service restaurant
All major credit cards accepted
Gas on site
Hwy. 6,
5 km south of Wiarton
RR 1, Marton
519-534-1831
-'� 1.888.353-0931
www.shenstone.ca
OWEN SOUND
HOTELLCONVENTION
CENTRE
Follow the Trails to a Great
Night's Sleep
$64"
per person per night, based in double ik<upan,
• Deluxe Accommodation
• Breakfast • Dinner
950 - 6th Street East
Owen Sound, ON N4K 1 H 1
For reservations call
519-376-1551 or 1-877-775-2614
• I ase+and graiuncs mg in. luded Rale, .s lid fur? 0042005 wason