Snowmobiler rescued after falling through ice into an Ontario lake

A snowmobiler was rescued after they fell through ice into a lake in Ontario on the weekend.

Bystanders heard the snowmobiler yelling for help and saying they were in the water at Miskwabi Lake, just east of Haliburton on Saturday, OPP said.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene and Dysart Fire Department crews began an ice/cold water rescue to search the lake for the person, police said.

Firefighters found the victim in open water and pulled them to safety on shore. The snowmobiler suffered from hypothermia.

Paramedics transported the person to hospital. The victim was later transferred to a Toronto area trauma centre to receive further treatment, police said.

OPP continue to investigate.

The Haliburton Highlands OPP Detachment reminds people to stay clear of lake or river surfaces.

Police said “no ice is safe ice” and this year conditions are particularly unsafe.

Very little ice, if any, has formed due to abnormal weather conditions, police said.

“The lack of ice and vast areas of open water is creating possible dangerous situations for you and responding emergency services personnel,” police added.

Every year, needless preventable tragedies occur on water and ice surfaces which could have been avoided, police said.

Even if proper ice conditions exist, people must wear survival clothing/suit, carry a fully charged cell phone and tell a friend, neighbour, family member or work supervisor about their plans, police said.

However, it is safest just to stay off the ice.

Lead photo: Yaroslav Shuraev