A fun way for parents to help keep children safe during the Spring melt
Each year, Otonabee Conservation partners with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to offer the Spring Water Awareness Program (SWAP) to local schools. The program helps children understand and recognize the dangers around creeks, streams, and rivers during the spring season.
Due to school closures, Otonabee Conservation will not be delivering the SWAP program in schools. However, the spring freshet increases water volume and flows in local watercourses this time of year and children must still receive safety messages to STAY CLEAR AND STAY SAFE around dams, hydroelectric stations, and waterways.
As an alternative to the in-class delivery, Otonabee Conservation is offering SWAP Activity Booklets for parents to download from our website and share with their children during the school closure. The 11-page booklet includes colouring sheets, activities, and worksheets that help children to understand the rules for being safe around watercourses. The OPG Kid’s Guide to Staying Clear and Staying Safe is also available for download.
“Fast flowing, cold, deep water, slippery streambanks and unsafe ice present real dangers for everyone this time of year,” shares Otonabee Conservation’s CAO, Dan Marinigh, “We would like parents to talk with their children about avoiding watercourses this time of year, especially if they are outdoors playing during the March Break and school closure.”
Children and youth can also be prepared by obeying all cautionary signage around waterways and dams, playing with a friend, letting an adult know where they are going and when they will return, and dressing properly for the weather.
For further resources, including and a short video by OPG, please visit otonabeeconservation.com
For more information contact:
Meredith Carter | Manager, Watershed Management Programs
Otonabee Conservation
mcarter@otonabeeconservation.com | 705-745-5791 ext.223