Last Saturday two Winnipeg men out for a day of fun on their snow machines needed help from search and rescuers after getting lost.
It’s a scenario that plays out time and time again as people head out for a few hours of winter fun. Many are not prepared for the conditions or emergencies that may arise.
In the case of the two missing men they were prepared and they were able to call in help.
It all happened after the pair got lost on the trails in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. After not being able to find their way back they called 911.
RCMP and conservation officers deployed on snowmobiles and in trucks just after 8:30pm. The pair were located after spending more than six hours in the frigid weather. They were both dressed for the conditions and were able to start a fire to keep warm in the -35 degree temperatures.
These men survived because they were prepared.
The RCMP are reminding everyone who ventures out on snowmobiles this winter to remember to be prepared and to never ride alone.
Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind when heading out on a snowmobile or on marked snow trails this winter season:
- Be prepared: carry spare fuel, survival gear, including food and water and ensure you are dressed for the weather conditions.
- When travelling in areas you are unfamiliar with, always make sure to carry a charged cellphone and GPS when you can.
- Travel on marked trails when in areas you have never travelled before.
- Always advise someone of what route you plan to take and when you plan to return.
- Wear an approved helmet (it’s the law)
- Don’t drink and ride
- Stay alert
- Remember to cross a roadway on a snowmobile you must have a valid drivers licence.
For more information on being prepared this winter here are some other links to check out:
-News4 Staff-
