Stock photo of rain (Pixabay)
You’ll want to be a bit more careful around bodies of water over the coming weeks.
Conservation Halton has issued a reminder to residents of the dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes around this time of year. They add that people should keep family and pets away from any water’s edge.
This warning comes as we have received a significant amount of snow in Milton and around Halton this winter. The ground remains frozen and smaller streams and ponds may still be partially covered in ice. With warmer weather, comes melting snow and potential rain which will contribute to higher water levels and increased velocities in local watercourses. As well, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold-water temperatures can also lead to hazardous conditions close to bodies of water.
Here’s a list of tips to follow:
- Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water;
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially any waterbodies with remaining ice cover;
- Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water;
- If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water;
- Avoid walking close to/across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. River banks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion; and,
- Rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 for help immediately.
For more information, contact Conservation Halton at (905) 336-1158.
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