Spring Safety: Be careful near waterways

Issued to: Local municipalities and school boards, local conservation authorities, emergency response agencies, health unit, media, NVCA Board and staff

Date:         March 9, 2023

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority reminds everyone to stay well back from waterways, ditches, ponds and lakes this time of year.

With spring-like temperatures arriving soon, unsafe ice and slippery banks already exist. The onset of spring will bring rain and melting snow, which will cause the breakup of ice along watercourses and lakes as well as high stream flows. These hazardous conditions can cause life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water.

Conservation authorities across the region remind residents to keep family and pets away from the edge of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes at this time of year. Especially during this transitional season, it is important to supervise children and help them understand the dangers of playing near creeks and streams. Anglers, canoeists, hikers, hunters and other recreational users need to be aware of the dangerous conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety.

Play it safe and stay well back from waterways as the snow and ice melts. Help make this a safe and enjoyable spring.

• Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered watercourses and waterbodies—including municipally managed stormwater ponds.
• 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 and across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through.

The NVCA continues to monitor waterways and will issue flood messages as conditions warrant.

For more information, call your local conservation authority:

• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (705) 424-1479
• 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
• Kawartha Conservation (705) 328-2271

View NVCA Media Release - Spring Safety