Snowmobiler narrowly escapes losing his life at Havilland Bay

OPP NEWS RELEASE

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Caution urged on area lakes and rivers

HAVILLAND TWP, ON TWP - At approximately 10 a.m. this morning, Sault Ste. Marie OPP were called to Havilland Bay where a snow machine went through the ice with the driver, approximately one half kilometre (500 metres) from shore.

The driver managed to lift himself back onto the ice and ran back to the shoreline where he was assisted by another male.

The 48-year-old male from Goulais River did not require any medical attention. 

The 2009 Yamaha snowmobile was not retrieved and is submerged in approximately 32 feet of water.

The temperature this morning was -32 degrees Celsius with the wind-chill.

Despite the cold weather this area has received within the past few days, Sault Ste. Marie OPP are cautioning all persons venturing out on area lakes to be extremely cautious.

Ice conditions can vary day to day and within different areas of the lake or river.

Be prepared to go through the ice.

Have a set of ice picks on your person and wear a buoyant snowmobile suit.

Ice picks will assist you to get out of the water on very slippery wet ice.

This $20 investment could save your life.

If you do not know the local ice conditions extreme caution is recommended.

Riding responsibly is a personal choice that must be made every time someone starts up their machine.

Snowmobilers must use common sense and exercise caution.

It could be a life or death decision.

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