‘They are designed to have water flowing in and out of them all year long (from rainfall and snowmelt), making them an unsafe place to play’

NEWS RELEASE

LAKE SIMCOE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

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The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is reminding residents not to use neighbourhood stormwater ponds for recreation activities.

While your local stormwater pond may look like a great place to have a game of pick-up hockey or a leisurely skate, don’t be fooled. These ponds have a specific job, and that’s to continuously collect stormwater runoff from neighbourhoods.

Because of this function, they are designed to have water flowing in and out of them all year long (from rainfall and snowmelt), making them an unsafe place to play.

No matter how deep into the winter or how thick the ice may appear, temperature changes can cause major variations in ice thickness. Air pockets are also easily formed under the surface and contaminants like salt weaken the ice. All these factors combined create dangerous and unpredictable conditions that put your safety at risk.

Despite these hazards, you can still enjoy the outdoors this time of the year. At conservation areas and municipal parks, official trails have been created with your safety in mind. Use these trails and still get some fresh air safely.

Be safe by following these tips:


Stay on the official trails at Ontario’s conservation areas.
Keep family members and pets away from riverbanks and edges of all water bodies.
Do not attempt to drive or walk on iced-covered water bodies. Always obey any posted safety signs.
Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered water bodies, unless at an officially designated municipal facility.
Never use stormwater ponds for ice skating or any other activity.
Rescuing another person or a pet from ice is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately.

Explore nature in winter close to home at www.LSRCA.on.ca/enjoytheoutdoors.

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