Essex County OPP officers are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared and safe while out enjoying winter sports.

The warning comes after a 28-year-old man was seriously injured following a head-on collision between an ATV and a snowmobile on Lake St. Clair on Saturday.

Police are issuing the following tips for snowmobilers:

•Know your machine. Check out the snowmobile carefully and make sure that it is ready to go. Read the owner’s manual, and make sure all of your permits and insurance are current.

•Get trained and always wear the proper gear, including an approved helmet.

•Ride within your limits and always ride with a partner.

•Stay on approved trails. Don’t trespass. Maximum speed on trails is 50 km/hour.

•Keep a safe following distance from other machines.

•Do not consume intoxicating substances.

•Carry a safety/survival kit. Carry a throw rope, ice picks carried in a pocket, first aid kit, waterproof matches with fire starter, waterproof whistle, energy bars, water, fire proof container for cooking, survival blankets, a knife or multi-tool, wire and nylon rope. Carry all these items in a backpack and attach it to yourself.

•If you are travelling across ice, wear a floatation device (lifejacket, PFD), or wear a floater suit, and be prepared to go through the ice. Know how to rescue yourself.

OPP reminders about ice sports:

• Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers. This can be particularly evident at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out. Anglers should check thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as they move further out on the ice.

• Not all ice is created equal. Ice that has formed over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.

• Clear blue ice is the strongest. White or opaque ice is much weaker. Ice that has a honeycombed look, common during thaws or in the spring, should be avoided altogether.

• Traveling on frozen lakes or rivers with snowmobiles or vehicles can be particularly dangerous and added precautions must be taken. At least 20 centimeters (eight inches) of clear blue ice is required for snowmobiles and 30 centimeters (12 inches) or more is needed for most light vehicles. Double this amount if the ice is white or opaque.

• Heavy snow on frozen lakes and rivers can insulate the ice below, causing the ice to freeze slower.

• It’s important to let others know where you’re planning to fish and advise when you plan to return. If you are missing, rescue crews can narrow their search and potentially save your life.

• Parents must be mindful while children are out of school, as they may venture out on frozen ponds, ditches or area waterways.

• Winter weather conditions can be unpredictable and variable, proper equipment and experience is necessary to have a safe winter season on the ice.