The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Safe Snowmobiling With snowmobiling such a popular winter activity in the Flin Flon-Creighton area, we would like to offer these safety tips for those enjoying the activity. Always wear outer clothing with reflective trim on the arms, back and helmet. Never ride alone at night. Always dress in your full snowmobiling outfit, even if your intended destination is just next door. Becoming disoriented or lost is much more likely at night. Ride with individuals familiar with the area. Travel defensively. Always be alert of potential danger. Your helmet and engine noise can impair your hearing. Visibility is also reduced in conditions of snowfall, blowing snow and night driving. Never assume what another snowmobiler will do. Expect the unexpected. Drowning is one of the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities. Always remember that ice conditions are never guaranteed. Ice conditions can change in a period of several hours. If you must cross ice, ask first, then stay on the packed or marked trail. Don't stop until you reach shore. If you hit slush, don't let off the throttle. If you are following someone who hits slush, veer off to make your own path. If you must travel over lakes and rivers then consider using a buoyant snowmobile suit, which will assist you to reach the closest ice surface. Also consider carrying a set of picks which will help you grip the edge of the ice more easily. As a rule of thumb, "If you don't know, don't go." If you do break through the ice, don't panic. Follow these self rescue tips: - Kick vigorously into a horizontal position and swim to the nearest ice edge. Place hands/arms on unbroken ice while kicking hard to propel your body onto the ice, like a seal. - Once clear, stay flat and roll away to stronger ice. - Stand, keep moving and find shelter fast.
