Advice from the Lake Orion Police Department
Know before you go onto the ice if it is safe. There are sections of open water that still exist in sections of Lake Orion even as of today. Just because it is cold outside it does not mean lake ice is safe, according to lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh.
‘This year, we have experienced an unusually slow start to winter conditions,? Narsh said. ‘Ice safety depends on many factors, not just ice thickness and temperature. Please know these common sense rules before you enter a frozen lake.
? Ice thickness is measured by new, clear, solid ice.
? Minimum standards for entry are: four inches for foot traffic, five to six inches for snowmobiles and ATV’s, and eight to 12 inches for cars or small trucks.
? 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. Be aware of the legal and growing use of ‘Water Bubblers? that prevent ice from forming around docks and break walls. There are private and commercial lakefront property owners using these devices to prevent ice damage from near their walls. There is no advance warning required of their use.
? If a pet or other animal falls through the ice, do not risk death if it is unsafe to remove them. Call the police department.
? Call 911 immediately if a person is in the water, seconds matter. Almost anything can be thrown to rescue someone in the water, jumper cables, a ladder. Something that will float to assist, or allow you pull them out.
? Always wear a flotation vest when entering onto ice or wear a newer model flotation snowmobile suit.
? Avoid the excessive use of alcohol. A diminished reactive time could be fatal
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.
Operators should know that if they are involved in an accident resulting in property damage of $100 or more, or injury to or death of any person, they must immediately notify the proper law enforcement agency. Please know and follow the laws and safety guidelines when operating a snowmobile on the ice of Lake Orion, or any frozen water;
No Person Shall Operate a Snowmobile:
? On any Village street or right-of-way, except for crossing the street or bridge.
? Within 100 feet of a person, shanty, or cleared skating rink except at minimum speed to maintain forward momentum.
? Within 100 feet of a dwelling between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward movement.
? Under the two public bridges designated as Bellevue Bridge and Park Island Bridge at a speed greater than the minimum required to maintain forward motion.
? In a reckless or careless manner, or while under the influence of intoxicating liquor .08 BAC or above, narcotic drugs, or combination of both.
? Unless equipped with a muffler in good working order to prevent unusual noise levels.
? Without adequate face/vision protection
? Without a valid certificate of registration, and must be in possession of a valid driver license or safety certificate, as required by Michigan Law.
? If under the age of 12, without direct parent and/or adult supervision
? Without a lighted headlight and lighted taillight during the hours from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
? To chase, pursue, worry or kill any wild bird or animal.
? 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.