Don't Play in the Water

The City is reminding folkle that despite the nice weather, a trip down to the river banks of either the Speed or the Eramosa is perhaps inadvisable in the midst of melting snow and recent rainfall. Here's the press release:

GUELPH, ON, March 15, 2010 – The milder daytime temperatures combined with rainfall, have resulted in swift currents and higher water levels in Guelph’s rivers and those in the surrounding area.

The Guelph Fire Department encourages parents to educate children about the dangers associated with rivers at this time of year, and supervise them closely while outdoors near our watercourses.

Children should be aware of the dangers of swift currents and cold water temperatures during a spring thaw and need to be reminded to stay clear of riverbanks. A river safety brochure, prepared by the Grand River Conservation Authority, is available online at grandriver.ca (Education > River safety > Follow the river safety rules).

The Guelph Fire Department would like to remind residents to call 911 if they see someone in trouble in the river or on the ice. In the event of such an emergency, Emergency Services dispatch will send the trained water and ice rescue unit, which is equipped to safely enter the water at sub-zero temperatures.