Spring run off can create dangerous situation for children playing near water - keep them away until it is safe

By Staff

March 4^th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

Conservation Halton reminds residents of dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes around this time of year and urges people to keep family and pets away from any water’s edge.

This is not where you want your children playing.

Spring is quickly approaching and with warmer temperatures, people look forward to getting outdoors.  Warmer temperatures, however, also usually bring rain, melting snow and shifting ice which can contribute to higher, faster flowing water in watercourses.

Although Conservation Halton’s watershed received a typical amount of snow this winter, the warmer temperatures experienced through January and February has resulted in an early snowmelt.

Notwithstanding, the ground within Conservation Halton’s watershed remains saturated in many places and in periods of intense rain, there could be a higher amount of runoff in a much shorter interval than usual.  In addition, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to very hazardous conditions close to any body of water.

Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:

• Keep family and pets away from all bodies of water
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water
• Where you can, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during the spring high water