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"A Family Tradition for 132 Years" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, October 20, 1998 - 9 Be careful out there Firefighters, outfitters encourage safe sledding on Scugog By Chris Hall Port Perry Star With another sledding season on the horizon, Scugog firefighters and a local equipment supplier are urging snowmobile safety in an effort to prevent a repeat of January's tragic deaths. While there are many rules to follow when out on the trails and the ice of Lake Scugog, District-Chief Dave Ballingall continues to push just one: If you don't know, don't go. "It doesn't matter where people ride, they will even- tually end up crossing over water at some point," he said. Four snowmobilers died after crashing through thin ice on Lake Scugog last winter; local firefighters were called upon to rescue survivors, and retrieve bodies. D-C Ballingall says he and his men don't want to go through that ordeal again this winter. "Ponds, rivers, lakes... you're going to end up at one sometime; that's when you have to use some common sense," he said. "If you are not familiar with the area -- the body of water -- don't try and cross it; go around if you have to. An extra trip around it could save your life." For those who feel compelled to ride across the ice, the District Chief stresses the importance of proper safety gear. "From our aspect, the fire department's side, the safer you make yourself, the better for everyone. We don't want to go out on the ice; we hope we don't have to again," he said. Riders should always have a pair of ice picks with them, he said. The simple device could be the most important thing a snowmobiler wears. The picks hang around the rider's neck, and can be used to get a grip on the ice -- and escape icy water -- in the event of a break-through. ~ "People will spend $5,000, $10,000 or even $15,000 on a machine, but some won't spend $26 on ice picks, said D-C Ballingall. "They're probably one of the News to report? Call The Star first at 985-7383 & whale foods REAKFAST 8-10AM Our Regular-Luncheon and Coffee Break Menus Continue as Usual 180 QUEEN ST. 985-2433 PORT PERRY WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS tut Energy efficient windows reduce draft & increase warmth, Alcan vinyl & aluminum windows. : Authorized Renovator 4 AB ES. AW.D.AC Gold Club * Free Estimates * Seniors Discount Product Financing Available SINCE 1969 Ltd. Sales and Installation of Doors * Windows * Troughs * Additions * Solariums Reach Industrial Park - Reg. Rd. 8 (1/4 Mike E. of Hwy 12) Port Perry (905) 985-3333 or 985-3747 Introducing 1-888-WIN-DOOW (946-3669) cheapest snowmobile accessories you can buy, and theres a good chance someday they'll save your life." Anyone out on the ice, including hunters, fishermen, skiers, and skaters are urged to use them. Also recommended are flotation suits, which look like normal snow suits but are buoyant and can increase your chances of survival in cold water from less than 10 minutes to about 90 minutes. The suits contain a closed foam cell which does not absorb water and keeps the rider afloat, as well as pro- tecting against hypothermia and increasing survival time in the water. "Both of these things are accessible and affordable: you can buy them right here in Scugog," said D-C Ballingall. "Both dramatically increase your chances of survival; the best bet is to have both on every time you get on your machine. That really increases your chances of getting home safe." Childrens' flotation suits cost approximately $250 and mens and womens' suits run between roughly $400 and $600. The ice picks are available for under $30, and at Norm's Fix-It in Manchester, $2 from every ice pick purchase will be donated to the Scugog Fire Department. "We had over 20 people buy the suits last year, and for their own protection, we hope we get a lot more this year," said Diane Storee of Norm's Fix-It. Everyone is encouraged to enter a free draw for a Mustang Ice Rider suit, which will be drawn Dec. 15. The easiest way to stay safe while riding is to remain on marked trails, says Port Perry Snowmobile Club president Charlie Harper. "Stay on the organized trails, that's the safest route to follow," he said, adding that of the 40 snowmobile- related deaths in Ontario last year, 32 were at night. "All you need to do is use some common sense. If you know in the back of your mind that what you are doing could be dangerous, stop," said Mr. Harper. "Don't ever think that it can't happen to you, because some people learn the hard way." We've just completed our large expansion and renovations... and we'd like you to come see it during an Open House. ~~ sion, To celebrate thi 15101 I Home (Light refreshments served) 216 Queen Street, Port Perry 20985-2171 WAGG FUNERAL HOME Me Denmott-Foanabaken Chapel Tours will be conducted by our friendly staff throughout the day and they will be able to answer any questions you have about our facility or about funerals in general. Take this opportunity to inspect what we feel is one of the finest and most beautiful Funeral Homes in the area. With the sledding season fast approaching, riders are being encouraged once again to play it safe on the trails, and the ice. Supporting the use of ice picks and flotation suits are local firefighters Rob Gonnermann and Dave Ballingall (back) and Charlie Harper and Norm Sheppard. & Be RC OO MYLES G. O'RIORDAN Funeral Director/Owner © Res: (903) 985-0608 MARK K. FLETCHER Funeral Director/Pre-Arrangement Counsellor