The conservation educator for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says the recent stretch of mild weather has been a timely reminder of the dangers of melting snow and ice, particularly around ponds, streams and rivers.
Denise Iszczuk says they're now taking requests for their Spring Water Awareness Program from schools in their watershed. The program demonstrates in a powerful way the dangers of falling into what is very cold water at this time of year.
She says with the melting snow and ice it's not easy to detect where the bank of a river ends and the river begins, and it's easy to slide into very cold water.
Part of the program involves inviting students to roll up their sleeves and put their bare arm into a bucket of ice cold water to see how long they can keep it there. It usually isn't very long and Iszczuk points out that's only one part of their body, so how would they feel if their entire body was immersed in water that cold. The estimated time of surviving in very cold water is about ten minutes depending on the person and the water temperature.
Any schools wishing to have the SWAP demonstration at their school can call the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
Parents, guardians, and teachers can find some safety-around-water information online at abca.on.ca.
Here are some tips for young people:
- Never play by the water when you are alone.
- Always have an adult check if the ice is thick enough before you play on it.
- Always read warning signs near water.
- Never play by dams and water control structures.
- Always tell an adult where you are playing and when you’ll be home.
- Call 911 or get a parent or guardian for all water-related emergencies.
