Safety first

LEWISPORTE -

Measure to be sure.
That's what Corporal Pam Blackwood of the Lewisporte RCMP and safety officer for the Notre Dame Snowmobile Association stresses to residents in the area who travel on ice surfaces on snowmobile or to go ice fishing.
"The ice should be a minimum of five inches and then obviously go up as snowmobiles or vehicles are used on an ice surface," said Cpl. Blackwood. "Five inches of ice is good for ice fishing, walking or cross-country skiing or the use of a snowmobile or all terrain vehicle (ATV). Then at eight - 12 inches it's safe for a car or small truck and 12-15 inches will allow a medium-sized truck to safety drive on the ice.
"If someone is going to venture out on a pond they should check," she said. "I always check three different places to make sure the thickness is uniform, and then you have to watch your intakes and outflows on any pond because that's where the water is fast moving."
Cpl. Blackwood said due to the recent cold weather most ponds in the area are safe, however, measuring is still important.
"Salt water ice always tends to change versus ponds because of the currents," she said. "Many factors can influence ice thickness."

Snowmobile safety
With the Jan. 29 tragedy in Norris Arm where a 15-year-old girl lost her life in a snowmobiling accident, the RCMP are encouraging snowmobile operators to ride responsibly, be cautious of hazards and always wear a properly fastened CSA approved helmet while riding in accordance with all road and trail regulations.
"As a result of that accident we just caution people to make sure you know the terrain you are on, where you are going, and the machine is a big factor to consider," said Cpl. Blackwood. "How experienced are you to operate that machine? Also, wearing a CSA approved helmet that is secured and buckled is a very important safety precaution. That is something that parents should watch for before allowing their child to operate a snowmobile.
"Additionally, you know as a parent how experienced your child is in operating a snowmobile and it doesn't hurt at the beginning of every winter to go out with your child and make sure they know how to properly operate the snowmobile, know all the things on the machine and how to work them."
With bigger and faster snowmobiles hitting the market each year, Cpl. Blackwood is available to present a Sled Smart presentation to local community groups throughout the region.
"If there is any service group or anyone who would like to arrange a talk, I'm certainly available for that," she said.
Cpl. Blackwood said the RCMP haven't been able to patrol any snowmobile trails this year because of the lack of snow, however that will change if there is additional snowfall before winters end.
"We like to remind people if they are going to be going over ponds on snowmobile, we do encourage everyone to wear a floatation device," she said. "Most snowmobile suits now, like Mustang, are all floatation to some extent. Also, it's important for people to carry their survival pack with them because if you leave it on your machine and you go through the ice, then your survival pack is gone."
Cpl. Blackwood said a survival pack should include a cell phone, dry clothes, waterproof matches, water, an axe, a rope and high-energy granola bars or any other food that won't spoil.
"If a person does fall through the ice and you are able to get them out, that's not the end of the road," said Cpl. Blackwood. "You have to worry about hypothermia and you have to get them to medical attention. If you can remove the wet clothing and get them warmed up gradually then they should be fine.
"If you can't, you have to create a barrier by covering up the wet clothes so wind doesn't cause further trauma and get them to medical care. Everyone should keep in mind that a machine can be replaced, but not a human life."
Cpl. Blackwood also suggests snowmobile operators write down or program the emergency numbers in their cell phone for the area they are travelling.
"It's important to take note of your surroundings and your emergency numbers like the RCMP, local ambulance provider and fire department," she said. "We do have the 1-800-709-RCMP number and that will get you in touch with your nearest detachment. This way you have the information at a moment's notice if you need it and it could make the difference between life and death."