By Jenn Watt

Published Feb. 6 2018

Police are issuing reminders about ice safety to the public following two accidents on lakes in Haliburton County.

On Friday Feb. 2 at about 4:45 p.m. a snowmobile and an all-terrain vehicle went through the ice on Twelve Mile Lake in Minden Hills.

According to information from the police four men were travelling together to drill holes for ice fishing when their vehicles went through the ice.

“Three of the four males were able to pull themselves out of the water while a bystander threw a rope out to the fourth male and was able to pull him out of the water” a release from police says. “All four males were transported to local hospital by paramedics for precautionary reasons.”

On the same day just before 9:30 p.m. police and other emergency services were called to assist with a side-by-side that went through the ice on Boshkung Lake in Algonquin Highlands.

“The male driver and the three male passengers that had entered the water were able to extricate themselves and made their way toward shore prior to emergency services arrival” police said in a release. “Upon speaking with the 35-year-old male driver officers had determined he had been consuming alcohol.”

A roadside test determined the man was in warn range and his licence was suspended for three days police say. No injuries were reported in that event.

Following the two incidents police reminded the public not to drive any vehicle while impaired.
They are also reminding people that ice isn’t safe and to avoid driving on the ice whenever possible.
“Areas that may typically be open could appear to be frozen due to a drop in temperature. If it can’t be avoided check ice conditions beforehand wear a floater suit and carry ice picks and make sure they are accessible” OPP advise.