Learn about water safety throughout the

4
Water
SeaSOnS
Guide for
Safety
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someIt’s
basic
safety guidelines
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everyone’s
responsibility
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follow so
basic safety guidelines whenever you’re in, around or on the water.
Presented
by
Presented
by:
Winter Watch
In and around dams: Ice sports are a great way to enjoy the winter, but don’t put
your life at risk while having fun. Water flows change quickly and the operation
of a power station can cause the ice to be dangerously thin.
Snowmobiling
• No ice is 100% safe. A minimum of 6
inches of clear, hard ice is needed to
support a snowmobile. Always check
with local operators before heading out.
• Squalls and fog can get you lost, so
carry a compass or GPS whenever you
head out.
• When crossing ice, always wear a
flotation suit, carry a throw rope, never
ride alone, and follow the marked path.
Ice Fishing
• Make sure you have at least 4 inches of
ice before you venture out on foot.
• Currents and disturbances can degrade
ice, so avoid ice over flowing water,
near creek outlets/inlets, dams, and
water intakes.
• Carry a pair of ice picks, and wear a
flotation suit. Both could be lifesavers.
Cross-Country Skiing/Snowshoeing
• Always carry a map, a cell phone or a GPS.
• Make sure your ice is safe. Probe with your
pole first and go around if you’re unsure.
• Know your limitations, and don’t push
yourself so hard that you can’t make
it back.
Tips
for Kids
It’s a good idea to play-practice rescue
scenarios if your kids like going out on the ice.
This way your kids will know what to do in case
of a break through.
Spring Alert
In and around dams: Hydroelectric stations and dams are no place for
recreational activities. They operate 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and their
operation affects river flows and ice conditions. Water flows can change quickly,
particularly at this time of year, with melting snow and spring runoff. This can
result in dangerously thin ice.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Hiking
• Know your limitations. Choose water
that matches your skill level and never
paddle near dams.
• Keep warm. Dress appropriately and
consider investing in a neoprene suit,
gloves and footwear.
• Always wear a properly fitted, approved
PFD.
Stream Fishing
• Make sure your fishing locations have
safe access points and a manageable
current.
• Don’t wade too deep. Wear a belt over
waders to prevent water from seeping
over the top.
• Bring along a wading staff for stability
and probing bottom.
• Be prepared! Have a map of your route
and leave a copy with someone at home,
and always let them know when to
expect you back.
• Keep to marked trails and obey all
posted signs; they’re there for your
safety.
• Avoid hiking too close to moving water
during the spring. Water levels can rise
to dangerous levels if a dam is opened
or the weather turns.
Tips
for Kids
Everyone should wear a life jacket when in a
canoe or kayak, but consider always putting a
PFD on younger kids when they’re around water.
Summer Sense
In and around dams: Dams are opened when demand for electricity changes
or when water must be released. It can happen at any time and can catch you
unaware. Waters can change from scenic calm to deadly torrents in a matter of
seconds. Use caution near hydroelectric dams and stations, and surrounding
waterways. Obey all warning signs. They are there for your protection.
Boating/Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Everyone on board should wear an
approved PFD.
• Be weather wise. Head for shore the
minute the weather turns for the worse.
• Never overload your boat or enter water
that your boat can’t handle.
Fishing
Camping
• Never fish below a dam. Water levels can
change faster than you can react.
• Arrive at your campsite during the day so
you can check for water or other hazards
before you set up camp.
• Always anchor in a safe flow. Heavy
currents can work against taut anchor
lines and pull you under.
• Set up camp at least 200 feet from
any shoreline.
Swimming
• Always swim with someone else or make
sure someone is watching from shore.
• Do not swim near dams or in areas of
heavy current.
• When drawing water for camp, choose a
safe location with stable footing.
Tips
for Kids
Help keep your kids safe around water and
enroll them in a water-safety course or
swimming lessons before the summer begins.
Fall Awareness
In and around dams: Signs and fences are there for your protection. Always
obey posted signs – they’re important to your safety. Stay outside of fenced areas
and away from dam structures.
Hunting
• Always have a plan, and make sure
someone at home knows it.
• Never overload your boat or ATV
when you head to your hunt camp.
Making two trips might take longer, but
you will get there in one piece.
• Pay extra care when hunting near water.
• Slippery shorelines and changing
water levels are more dangerous in the
autumn cold.
• Buy a camouflage Personal Floatation
Device (PFD) you can wear while hunting.
• When riding near water, consider wearing
a PFD just in case.
• Always travel with a partner, and let
someone at home know where you’re going.
• Use extreme caution if ATV trails cross
creek beds, don’t trust makeshift
bridges, and make sure you have a way
back if water levels rise.
ATVing
• Obey all laws when riding, including
wearing a proper, approved helmet.
• Pay attention to signage and keep off
of private property.
Tips
for Kids
Safety around water is even more important
on cool, fall days. A child’s small body is
particularly susceptible to hypothermia. A PFD
should be worn whenever kids are near cold
water, and adult supervision is a must.
Our Passion
is Fishing and Hunting.
Our VOICE is the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
www.ofah.org
www.ontariooutofdoors.com
Recreational activities near hydro stations and dams are dangerous
For your own safety obey all warnings at hydroelectric stations, dams and their surrounding shorelines and
waterways. These facilities operate year-round, affecting water flows. Water that looks safe can become treacherous
in minutes and ice forming near, or even several kilometres away, can become dangerous. Signs, fences, buoys and
safety booms are there to warn you, but if you see water levels
changing, move a safe distance away immediately. Be advised
that people trespassing on OPG property may face charges, with
fines of up to $2,000.
Visit opg.com to receive your free water safety DVD or brochure.