Greater Sudbury police have received reports of snowmobiles and vehicles on area lakes, and want to remind city residents that the ice isn't safe yet.
The latest cold snap has caused ice to form, but a minimum of four inches of ice is needed to support a person, and 12-15 inches a motorized road vehicle such as a car or truck. A snowmobile requires six inches.
Individuals who go through the ice can be hampered by winter clothing, vehicles, or be unable to pull themselves back on to the ice. Hypothermia can set in within minutes as the cold water cools the individual's body temperature.
While local fire departments are trained on cold water rescue methods, many cases become recovery efforts. Rescue efforts can be hampered by winter weather and thin ice.
