BY ELAINE STIEB
Lake Orion Review Editor
A large section of open water in the Park/Peninsular area is causing havoc with snowmobilers and nearby residents.
Lake Orion Police dispatch received two emergency phone calls on Sunday afternoon about three hours apart reporting possible snowmobilers had gone into the lake.
One caller was wrong. The other was right.
The first incident took place at 4:41 p.m. According to LO Police Chief Jerry Narsh, a resident in the area heard a snowmobile on the lake, then a splash.
The Oakland County Marine Division and Orion Township Fire Department were called to the scene and found the person on shore and unharmed.
According to Narsh, his investigation indicated the snowmobiler had successfully crossed the open water.
The second driver wasn’t so lucky. The next incident happened at 6:53 p.m. at the same spot.
Narsh said the snowmobile went into the water. The two people on the sled were able to get out and go home. He believes the snowmobile is still at the bottom of the lake.
‘This spot has traditionally stayed open (through the winter). Maybe it’s spring-fed,? Narsh said.
He cautioned any snowmobilers that will be going on the ice. ‘Know your ice and know where you’re going. It would be wise if you do a safe pass through an area before you go full throttle. If you see open water, completely avoid the area.
‘People try to cross open water all the time. It’s dangerous and illegal. With the temperatures we have now, the human body won’t survive long (in the water). The risks are great.?