Two riders rescued after snowmobile breaks through thinning Georgian Bay ice

Emergency crews were called for an ice rescue in Tay Twp., Ont., on Fri., March 27, 2026. (Source: OPP Central Region/Facebook)

Emergency crews were called for an ice rescue in Tay Township late Friday evening after a snowmobile crashed through the ice on Georgian Bay.

According to Southern Georgian Bay OPP, officers received a report just before 10 p.m. about a snowmobile that had gone through the ice several hundred metres offshore near Robin’s Point Road.

Two sleds were reportedly travelling together when one of them broke through the thinning ice, resulting in both riders falling into the water.

Police say both riders were wearing survival floatation suits that helped them while waiting to be rescued. The second snowmobile returned to shore safely.

Tay Township firefighters rescued the two riders from the water and they were hospitalized as a precautionary measure for cold exposure.

Police say an OPP helicopter was dispatched from Toronto but cancelled once everyone was deemed to be safely off the ice.

“As warmer spring temperatures continue, ice conditions become increasingly unpredictable and unsafe,” said Const. Aaron Coulter from Southern Georgian Bay OPP in a news release, while thanking the efforts of the first responders. “The OPP reminds all residents and visitors that ice, including areas that may appear solid, can quickly deteriorate. Snowmobilers, anglers, and anyone considering travelling onto frozen waterways are strongly advised to stay off the ice entirely at this time.”

According to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail map, there are no more open trails in the counties of Simcoe, Dufferin, Grey and Bruce.