An ice search on Lake Simcoe in Orillia has been discontinued.
Police were searching for a person who possibly went through the ice near Shannon Bay earlier today.
The helicopter was conducting a search by air, while area fire crews had airboats out and rescue personnel on the ice.
However, a short time later, police announced that a thorough search had been completed and no signs of anyone in distress were located.
They added there was good visibility to the lake bottom and no fresh openings in the ice.
— UPDATE — Search discontinued.
A thorough search has been completed and no signs of anyone in distress were located. There was good visibility to the lake bottom and no fresh openings in the ice. ^td
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) January 14, 2021
Please stay off the ice! As you can see from these pictures, the ice is not currently safe in the #OrilliaOPP detachment area. ^td pic.twitter.com/i6msOs9sc1
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) January 14, 2021
MYTH: If thick ice has formed on one area of the lake/river, it must be safe everywhere FACT: Ice thickness varies depending on currents, ties, moving water and a variety of other factors. #NoIceIsSafeIce, but if you do venture out on #ice know the area & check with local anglers pic.twitter.com/e1pyxvhejW
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) January 14, 2021
Little change in ice cover (2-3%) over the last 3 weeks on the #GreatLakes, well below the normal for mid Jan of 11%. Jan historically sees an increase in ice cover from 1% to near 27%. We continue to forecast less ice cover for this year. @ECCCWeatherON #ONStorm #icebreaking pic.twitter.com/R5nX7fclIX
— ECCC Canadian Ice Service (@ECCC_CIS) January 14, 2021