FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 4, 2017
QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES WATER SAFETY STATEMENT ABOUT LOCAL ICE CONDITIONS
Recent mild temperatures and rainfall have degraded local ice conditions in the Quinte Conservation watershed. General Manager Terry Murphy says, “Quinte Conservation is urging members of the public to be extremely cautious around local waterways. Ice that was safe earlier may be thinner due to the recent rain.”
Murphy adds, “We are advising local residents to stay off all ice covered water bodies and to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. Hypothermia is a major concern for anyone who is in areas where they could fall into open water.”
Quinte Conservation warns the public that stream banks should be avoided in the winter. Ice and snow make footing unpredictable and frigid open water conditions are extremely dangerous. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times. While Quinte Conservation does not measure ice thickness for recreational activities, the organization provides information on watershed safety conditions.
Quinte Conservation is issuing a Water Safety Statement regarding the changing ice conditions. A Water Safety Statement indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children or pets. Flooding is not expected.
This message is valid until January 10, 2017.