Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 lakes but did you know....
Responsible riders are safe riders. Wear protective gear and maintain your machine. Don't take chances that endanger yourself or others. The future of off-highway vehicles depends on your responsible behavior today.
Snowmobilers' code of ethics
1.I will be a good sports enthusiast. I recognize that people judge all snowmobile owners by my actions. I will use my influence with other snowmobile owners to promote fair conduct.
2.I will not litter on trails or camping areas. I will not pollute lakes or streams.
3.I will not damage living trees, shrubs, or other natural features. I will go out only when there is sufficient snow so that I will not damage the land.
4.I will respect other people's property and rights.
5.I will lend a helping hand when I see someone in distress.
6.I will make myself and my vehicle available to assist search and rescue parties.
7.I will not interfere with or harass hikers, skiers, snowshoers, ice anglers, or other winter sports enthusiasts. I will respect their rights to enjoy our recreation facilities.
8.I will know and obey all federal, state/provincial and local rules regulating the operation of snowmobiles in areas where I use my vehicle. I will inform officials when using public lands.
9.I will not harass wildlife. I will avoid areas posted for the protection or feeding of wildlife.
10.I will stay on marked trails or marked roads open to
snowmobiles. I will not snowmobile where prohibited.
Source: DNR Snowmobile Safety Training Manual
ICE SAFETY:
There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice.
If someone falls through and you are the only one around to help, First Call 911 for help.
Resist the urge to go out on to the ice, this would likely result in two victims in the water.
Preach, Reach, Throw, Row, Go
PREACH ‑ Shout to the victim to encourage them to fight to survive and reassure them that help is on the way.
REACH ‑ If you can safely reach the victim from shore, extend an object such as a rope, ladder, or jumper cables to the victim. If the person starts to pull you in, release your grip on the object and start over.
THROW ‑ Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim. Have them tie the rope around themselves before they are too weakened by the cold to grasp it.
ROW ‑ Find a light boat to push across the ice ahead of you. Push it to the edge of the hole, get into the boat and pull the victim in over the bow. It’s not a bad idea to attach some rope to the boat, so others can help pull you and the victim to safety.
GO ‑ A non‑professional shouldn’t go out on the ice to perform a rescue unless all other basic rescue techniques have been ruled out.
If the situation is too dangerous for you to perform the rescue, call 911 for help and keep reassuring the victim that help is on the way and urge them to fight to survive. Heroics by well‑meaning but untrained rescuers sometimes result in two deaths.
