Canal Safety

Don't swim in ditches or canals

​

• Water is very cold.
• Water moves very fast and can sweep you away before you have a chance to get out.
• Others can be pulled in trying to rescue you.
• Ditch and canal bottoms can contain hazards or debris that are dangerous and can snare you.

​Don't play in, on or around ditches/canals or irrigation structures

• Canal banks and irrigation structures are private property

​Don't play, walk, run, etc. on ditch and canal banks

• Banks can be steep and slick

Don't drink irrigation water

• Irrigation water may contain chemicals and bacteria or other things that would not be safe to consume

Don't use boards, old trees or other things to build bridges across ditches and canals 

• These makeshift structures may be unsafe or can collapse putting debris in the canal which may damage pumps or other property

Obey any posted signs along ditches and canals 

• Signs warn of danger
• Signs can keep you safe

Be aware of surroundings 

• Canal banks can be unstable, soft or even undermined