As you might know, I am a proud member of the Conservation Halton Board of Directors representing the Town of Milton. One of the important goals of CH is to ensure residents are educated and informed about watershed issues including safety in our community. Tragically last month a young child perished while playing on a storm water management pond in Milton. It is important for residents to know about the risks involved in being around any body of water this time of year. The ice may look thick but its not worth the risk to play hockey, walk or have any activity on these bodies of water.

This is why Conservation Halton is teaming up with the 4 area municipalities (Town of Milton, Town of Halton Hills, Town of Oakville and City of Burlington) to issue this press release and campaign to educate about the dangers associated with waterways.

Posted by Conservation Halton on January 27, 2021

With the arrival of colder temperatures, the City of Burlington, the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, the Town of Oakville and Conservation Halton are launching a joint winter water safety campaign to educate residents about the dangers associated with waterways this time of year.

Areas with frozen lakes, ponds, channels and reservoirs can be beautiful places to visit during the winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water. As many people are exploring alternate ways to stay active outdoors, the risks for water-related accidents are bound to increase.

While temperatures have declined since November’s unseasonably warm days, we are experiencing frequent freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in the melting of accumulated snow and ice cover. This runoff can create hazardous conditions near all waterways, by contributing 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 very hazardous and dangerous conditions close to any body of water.

Stormwater management ponds are especially dangerous and recreation of any kind is not permitted. Stormwater management ponds are designed to retain water runoff and slowly release it back into receiving water courses. Factors such as continuously flowing water, fluctuating temperatures, and runoff pollutants like road salt, make these bodies of water (frozen or open water) especially unpredictable and subject to rapid change. Although they may look inviting, they are not safe and should be avoided.

Practice water safety and stay safe this winter by remembering the following tips:
• Keep family members and pets away from all bodies of water
• Don’t follow pets or people on the ice or attempt to rescue – call 911 for assistance
• Avoid recreational activities in or around waterways and check with your local municipality for alternative outdoor skating opportunities

Quotes:

“We know that people are looking for activities to do during the stay-at-home order, but for your safety, please stay away from all bodies of water. Ice conditions can change quickly and without warning creating extreme, hidden hazards.”
– Peter Gatto, Fire Chief, Milton Fire Department