Media Release
Think Ice and Water Safety
(LONDON, ON) – The calendar says it’s still winter, but the thermometer says it’s spring. One thing is for sure: the heavy blanket of snow covering Southwestern Ontario is rapidly turning into bone-chilling runoff, which can pose a serious safety issue.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region remind the public to stay away from the slippery banks of icy creeks and rivers. The rapidly-flowing water is barely above the freezing point, meaning anyone unfortunate enough to fall in is in danger of life-threatening hypothermia. Don’t forget to keep your pets away from the frigid water too.
Lake and river ice is also melting quickly, which is why it’s essential to think twice before venturing out onto any frozen body of water. What looked like a solid sheet of ice yesterday may have transformed into a fragile and dangerous surface overnight. Remember: “No ice is safe ice”, and walking onto unsafe ice puts your life and the lives of first responders at risk. Here are some tips that will help keep you and your loved ones safe.
• Check ice thickness – ice must be at least 10 cm thick to be safe for the weight of a person. Make sure to check the ice thickness frequently as you move further onto the ice.
• Have proper safety gear – bring a personal flotation device, an ice pick and a whistle.
• Never go alone – If you do go out alone, tell someone where you’ll be and how long you’ll be there.
• Always supervise children and pets- never allow children or pets on or near ice covered bodies of water unless they are supervised by an experienced and attentive adult.
ONTARIO SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK WRAP-UP
Dozens of Charges Laid In West Region
(LONDON, ON) – This winter’s snowmobiling conditions are just about perfect, but some of the riding behaviours seen on area trails is not.
Members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) West Region patrolled the trails during Ontario Snowmobile Safety Week (February 10, 2025 – February 17, 2025).
Officers laid 49 charges during the campaign, which included:
-Two impaired riding charges.
-Two muffler charges.
-38 documentation charges (permit, licence, registration, insurance).
The week-long campaign targeted unsafe riding behaviours that lead to death, injury and property damage both on and off Ontario snowmobiling trails. Excessive speed, riding too fast for the conditions and alcohol impairment continue to be the leading contributing factors in fatal snowmobile collision in Ontario.
Ontario snowmobilers have access to an expansive network of trails. Through the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Interactive Trail Guide (ITG), riders can obtain real-time trail status information to help them choose a safe, enjoyable trail for their next riding adventure.
Snowmobilers are reminded that it’s against the law to access and ride on OFSC trails that are unavailable (all those highlighted in red on the ITG).
“This winter’s ideal riding conditions mean snowmobile enthusiasts are in for a long and enjoyable season this year. The OPP encourage all riders to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations before heading out on the trails to enjoy their sport.
Ride safely and have fun!” – A/Inspector Chuck Lorway, OPP West Region Traffic and Marine Manager.
MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH
(GREY BRUCE, ON) – March is fraud prevention month. The Grey Bruce Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have responded to seventy-two fraud calls since January 1, 2025. The OPP know that most victims of fraud never report it.
Tips to Prevent Fraud
· Never let anyone pressure you into acting immediately. Take your time, slow down. YOU are in control of your information.
· Do not provide any personal information to someone you don’t know or trust.
· Hang up a call or leave any website if you become uncomfortable during the interaction.
· Never click on links provided to you in an unsolicited email, text message or on social media websites. These are opportunities that can be used by offenders to steal your information. For example, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will never send you a link asking for personal or financial information.
· Navigate to legitimate websites and services on your own.
· Never send money to anyone you don’t know. A demand for immediate payment by money transfers (Western Union, MoneyGram), gift cards (iTunes, Google Play or Amazon cards) or Bitcoin is a red flag and a sign to hang up the call or end the web session.
FRAUD…Recognize it…Report it…Stop it.
