Polaris 800 INDY XC 129 2019 Owner's Manual page 20

SAFETY
GET TO KNOW YOUR SAFETY GEAR
Following the safety gear and apparel recommendations will increase your
chances of survival if you encounter an avalanche or become stranded in the
backcountry, but even experienced and properly-equipped snowmobilers, hikers
and skiers perish in avalanches or succumb to hypothermia. Using a beacon or
probe for the first time during an avalanche recovery operation, or not knowing
how to deploy your avalanche air bag backpack during a slide, should be
considered UNACCEPTABLE to you and all members of your riding group. It's
critical that you and all members of your riding group know how to use the safety
gear.
While you may know how to use your gear, you may have to rely on your
riding group to find you in an avalanche. Make sure they know how to use
their gear.
• Dress in layers. Multiple layers of clothing provide the best barrier to cold and
wind. Layers can be removed, but if you start out without enough layers, they
cannot be added later. Avoid cotton materials, which will freeze if they get wet.
• Wear highly visible gear.
• Try on all gear and equipment to make sure it fits and doesn't interfere with
your riding capabilities. Place all survival aids in your backpack and wear the
backpack at all times. Non-essential items can be stored on the snowmobile
in an accessory bag.
• Read and follow the manufacturer's user and maintenance instructions for all
gear. If you have questions about how your gear works, contact the
manufacturer for more information.
• Practice using your beacons, shovels and probes with your riding group in
real-world conditions wearing all of your gear. Have someone hide an active
"transmitting" beacon by throwing it (not walking it) into a snowbank and
timing your group's search for it.
• Test deploying your gear. If you own an avalanche air bag backpack, check
with the manufacturer's test deployment guidelines and bottle weight
replacement specifications. Most air bag backpack manufacturers
recommend testing the pack once a year so you know it works and feel
comfortable with the bag and deployment time.
• Make sure your probe and shovel are in good condition and that you know
how to assemble them.
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