Municipal officials here have installed new signs along the Grand River to increase awareness and safety for those taking part in water activities.
Centre Wellington council, fire department officials and township staff worked together to design, map and install the signs, which include a municipal address to help those nearby relay their location in the event of an emergency.
“This program is aimed at swimmers, tubers, canoeist and kayaking participants in order to keep them safe in our waterways,” said Centre Wellington Fire Chief Brad Patton.
“Staff have mapped out 35 entrance points where people can access the river. Water levels can change quickly without notice and become quite dangerous.
“These signs are designed to provide location details of where they may be in case of an emergency so that when we receive a call we can locate them in a fraction of the time”.
Wellington County OPP Inspector Scott Lawson said the detachment “is pleased to collaborate and support the Township of Centre Wellington and [Patton] on this important initiative that is aimed at keeping the residents and visitors to Wellington County safe.”
Lawson added, “The Grand River is enjoyed by many throughout the year and this signage will only benefit those who need to reference their location should an emergency arise.
“We would also like to remind residents and visitors that safety on and in the water is key.”
Emergency officials are urging people to be safe this summer and always follow these tips:
– don’t drink and drive. The same rules which govern drinking and driving also apply to driving and boating;
– always wear a personal flotation device (PFD); and
– be careful swimming, as open water is very different than swimming in a pool – distance is deceiving, and you often have to contend with cold water, waves, currents, drop-offs, sandbars, water visibility, undertows, and underwater obstacles, as well as motorcrafts.
“River currents, especially when concentrated around rocks, bridge pilings, and in hydraulics at the base of dams, have enormous power and can easily trap even strong swimmers,” officials say.
“If you become caught in a river current or fast moving water, roll onto your back and go downstream feet first to avoid hitting obstacles head first. When you are out of the strongest part of the current, swim straight toward shore.”
