Deputies have tips to avoid more sinkings
A busy--and scary---evening for rescuers in Oneida County on Saturday, with snowmobilers going through the ice.
About 7pm, 24 year old Derick Ball, from Verona, went into a swampy area off the trail between Lowell and Eureka Roads in Westmoreland, on the south side of the Thruway about 7 last evening. As he started to go through the ice, he gunned the snowmobile to try and get out, and instead went in deeper. Ball was in the water and stranded about an hour before the Oriskany Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team was able to wade in and get him out. Ball is being treated for exposure and Oneida Sheriff's Deputies say charges (not alcohol-related) may be pending.
Deputies also assisted State Police later Saturday evening, as four snowmobiles submerged in Verona, on the Rock Road/Dwyer Road trail. No injuries reported in this incident.
Oneida Sheriff's Deputies have these reminders:
>Riding on ice is never a good idea, especially after warm weather and rain.
>Stay on marked trails
>Use a buddy system, never ride alone, and always let friends/family know where you're going and when you're coming back.
>Phones and GPS help, but also carry dry clothes, spare spark plugs, a flashlight, tow strap and a reflective blanket.
