The Lake Orion Police Department and Chief Jerry Narsh offer the following frozen lake safety and snowmobile regulation announcement…

Frozen Water Safety
This year, we will experience a shorter than normal frozen lake season due to the late winter start. Nevertheless, ice safety depends on many factors, not just ice thickness and temperature. The Lake Orion Police Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable winter season, please know these common sense rules before you enter a frozen lake, and please consider the following:
1) Ice thickness is measure by new, clear, solid ice. MINIMUM Standards for entry are: 4? for foot traffic, 5? ? 6? for snowmobiles and ATV’s, 8? ? 12? for cars or small trucks.
2) There may be hidden areas of weak or thin ice near shore or by storm water drains and under bridges or where moving water is present.
3) If a pet or other animal falls through the ice, do not risk death if it is unsafe to remove them. People that try to approach an animal in the water will usually fall through as well.
4) Call 911 immediately if a person is in the water, seconds matter. Almost anything can be thrown to rescue a person in the water, jumper cables, a ladder, anything that will float enough to assist, or allow you pull them out from a safe position.
5) ALWAYS wear a floatation vest when entering onto frozen water, or a newer model floatation snowmobile suit. Wet winter clothing can add up to 60 lbs of weight.
6) Avoid the excessive use of alcohol, a diminished reactive time could be fatal
7) Use good common sense. No sport or activity is worth losing your life over!

Snowmobile Laws and Safety
Every year the Lake Orion Police Department responds to complaints regarding snowmobiles. Most of the complaints arise from activity on Lake Orion lake. Operators should know that if they are involved in an accident resulting in property damage of $100.00 or more, or injury to or death of any person, they must immediately notify the proper law enforcement agency. Please know and follow the below listed Laws and safety guidelines when operating a snowmobile on the frozen waters of Lake Orion;
No Person Shall Operate a Snowmobile:
8) On any Village street or right-of-way, except for crossing the street or bridge.
9) Within 100 feet of a person, shanty, or cleared skating rink except at minimum speed to maintain forward momentum.
10) Within 100 feet of a dwelling between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward movement.
11) Under the two (2) public bridges designated as Bellevue Bridge and Park Island Bridge at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward motion.
12) In a reckless or careless manner, or while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotic drugs, or combination of both.
13) Unless equipped with a muffler in good working order to prevent unusual noise levels.
14) Without adequate face/vision protection
15) Without a valid Certificate of registration, and must be in possession of a valid driver license or safety certificate, as required by Michigan Law.
16) If under the age of 12, without direct parent and/or adult supervision
17) Without a lighted headlight and lighted taillight during the hours from ? hour after sunset to ? hour before sunrise.
18) To chase, pursue, worry or kill any wild bird or animal.
19) You may not operate a snowmobile if your license to operate an automobile has been suspended or revoked by Michigan or your home state.

Ice Safety is no Accident – and it is all of our responsibility to preserve and protect our winter waterways.