Thanksgiving is no time to forget water safety

While Thanksgiving weekend is a perfect time for one last boat or canoe ride before winter sets in, it’s no time to let down your guard when it comes to water safety.

As such, Ontario Power Generation and Ontario Provincial Police remind people to stay clear of all hydroelectric dams and generating stations.

“The cooler weather this weekend should be ideal for a canoe or boat ride to see fall colours or go for a hike, but it’s no time to stop thinking about water safety rules,” said Frank Chiarotto, OPG’s senior vice-president Hydro-Thermal, in a press release. “Water conditions may appear safe, but can change frequently, rapidly and without warning.”

“Our marine officers continue to promote safe boating, in particular the benefits of wearing your life-jacket while on smaller boats which are prone to tipping,” said OPP Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey. “Thirteen people have died in boating-related incidents in 2012, 12 of which involved vessels of less than six metres in length. People falsely assume if life-jackets are available in the boat, they have time to put them on when there is trouble. Play it safe when heading out on the water”

For more on OPG’s educational water safety, go to www.opg.com.