March is here and the ice surface on Georgian Bay is starting to show that spring is not far away! Uniform members of the Southern Georgian Bay OPP, Christian Island Anishinabek Police Service APS) along with their partners at the Canadian Coast Guard would like to remind all ice surface users that ice surface conditions are visibly starting to change near the towns of Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny Township, Christian Island and the surrounding areas.
A series of aerial photographs (see attached) taken midday on March 1, 2022 by the aviation unit of the CGG show large openings in the ice surface in particular near the following locations;
- the approximate area near CGG buoy M12 east of Pinery Point / Marygrove, Tiny Township https://w3w.co/hourglass.fulfilled.ridden
- the approximate area near CGG buoy M13 and Candlemas Shoal south of Beausoleil Island https://w3w.co/leaner.shuddering.vaccinated
- the ferry route from Christian Island https://w3w.co/soppy.lists.buzzer to Cedar Point https://w3w.co/punctuated.football.pave
Every year at this time we remind outdoor recreational minded community members that spring is near and to be aware that ice conditions can change quickly.
If you travel out onto an ice surface always remember that “No Ice Is Safe Ice” . You need to be aware of current, past weather (storms) conditions and of any recent or upcoming commercial ice breaking activity along with checking with area residents/riders who have “local knowledge of ice conditions”. The following web sites are a must see for those who travel on ice surfaces- Cold Water Boot Camp along with https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641
Simple rule is – If you don’t know- Don’t go! Is it really worth the Risk to yourself and Emergency Services?
Police remind snowmobilers that an essential part of the enforcement job is to save lives and reduce injuries on our trails, through community partnerships we educate the public about safe driving practices – #Never Drive Impaired – https://youtu.be/gSX_LGoNiHz