November 19, 2010
Snowmobile Safety a Priority as Winter Recreation Season Begins: Blaikie
– – –Thin-ice Warning Issued, Snowmobilers Advised Not to Venture Onto Rivers, Lakes or Streams
As Manitoba’s winter recreation season begins in the north and will soon arrive in central and southern regions, snowmobilers are being urged to avoid waterways where thin ice is extremely dangerous, Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie and Ken Lucko, executive director of Snowmobilers of Manitoba (Snoman), said today.
“All snowmobilers need to be aware of the dangers of thin ice when crossing any body of water, especially at this time of year,” said Blaikie. “We want snowmobilers to enjoy their sport and encourage them to ride safely and respect private property.”
Snowmobilers are reminded that provincial natural resource officers and members of the RCMP travel snowmobile trails, enforcing relevant snowmobile and liquor laws, to promote safe riding practices.
Snoman, through a network of about 51 volunteer clubs across Manitoba, grooms and maintains a network of more than 12,000 kilometres of designated trails. Snowmobilers using this designated trail system in the province must purchase and display a permit called a Snopass on their snowmobile licence plate.
“Snowmobilers are urged to ride safely and we would ask all trail users to check our website for trail conditions, prior to departure, to ensure that trails are open,” said Lucko.
For additional information regarding snowmobile safety, visit Snoman’s website at www.snoman.mb.ca.
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The provincial government is distributing this news releases on behalf of Snoman and the Government of Manitoba.