​Public Safety Message: Be Careful Around Waterways

Spring melt can create hazardous conditions near water

Newmarket - March 9, 2015 – This week's warmer temperatures signal the onset of spring, a time when people start enjoying the outdoors in greater numbers. While enjoying the outdoors offers many health benefits, it's important to remember the potential danger near water at this time of year. 

Warm temperatures often bring rain, melting snow and ice, which contribute to higher, faster flowing water in our waterways. Slippery and unstable stream banks, combined with extremely cold water temperatures, create very hazardous conditions close to any body of water. 

Conservation Authorities remind residents to keep family and pets away from the edge of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes around this time of year.

For more information, call your local conservation authority: 

• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority  (905) 895-1281
  
• Toronto & Region Conservation Authority  (416) 661-6514
  
• Conservation Halton  (905) 336-1158
  
• Credit Valley Conservation  (905) 670-1615
  
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority  (905) 579-0411
  
• Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority  (905) 885-8173
  
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority  (705) 424-1479
  
• Kawartha Conservation  (705) 328-2271 or 1-800-668-5722