OPP and OPG urge caution on Ontario's lakes and rivers

Snowmobile Showdown game highlights winter dangers

TORONTO, Feb. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are warning people to take extra care near lakes and rivers this winter. And to make a serious point in a fun way, OPG has launched an interactive snowmobile game called "Snowmobile Showdown" that allows people to test themselves against changing ice conditions.

"It's been an unusual winter. Some lakes don't have any ice cover and have high water levels while others have very thin, dangerous ice that's not safe for travel. We're advising people to check local conditions before they set out on a trip." said OPP Chief Superintendent Don Bell, Commander of the Highway Safety Division.

Snowmobile Showdown game is available at http://www.stayclearstaysafe.ca/.

OPG's water safety program is based on a simple concept: Stay clear. Stay Safe. People need to stay clear of hydro dams and stations - all year round.  They're not places for recreational activities.  Ice forming near a dam or hydroelectric station can be thinner and less consistent than ice in other locations because of changing water flows beneath it.  In many places this year the ice and water conditions are not typical for January.

Visit opg.com to watch the OPP OPG public service announcement about winter snowmobiling safety and other safety tips.

OPG Media relations 1-877-592-4008
Sgt Lise Grenier, Provincial Specialized Patrol Coordinator
Ontario Provincial Police, Highway Safety Division
705-323-0451