Another generous donation of $5,000 by Plains Midstream Canada has allowed the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) to once again reach students and teach them about the hazards of spring floodwaters. The Spring Water Awareness Program (SWAP) was offered in a new virtual format on April 30th.
“Accidents are preventable with education and increased awareness. Through our annual Spring Water Awareness Program, we talk with students about the potentially dangerous conditions associated with streams and rivers during the spring, and provide them with safety guidelines,” explained Melissa Levi, Conservation Education Coordinator at the SCRCA.
Due to school closures and restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the typical in-class program was converted to a ‘live-stream’ workshop and focussed on the hazards associated with the cold, deep, and fast-flowing waters of the spring season. “Even though we were unable to meet face-to-face, we were still able to engage with the students through live experiments and pre-recorded video. They even got to do a hands-on experiment in front of their computers to see how quickly cold water can affect their dexterity and ability to move,” said Levi.
The SCRCA Education team ‘virtually’ welcomed students and teachers to the Spring Water Awareness Program workshop on April 30th. The program was offered free-of-charge thanks to a generous donation by Plains Midstream Canada.
The 2021 program constituted the third straight year of support by Plains Midstream Canada which allows the SCRCA to offer the SWAP program free-of-charge.
“It’s important to us to contribute to causes and services which lead to stronger, safer and heathier communities where our employees live and work,” said Ian Forster, Community Relations Advisor at Plains Midstream Canada. “We are very proud to continue supporting SCRCA’s Spring Water Awareness Program. It’s fantastic to see the positive impact the program offers by educating kids about water safety and safe enjoyment of our region’s watercourses.”
The workshop was recorded and posted on YouTube so those classes that were unable to attend the live event can access the program. The recorded program can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KViYoyWk10.
Spring water safety tips for children and families:
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- Always tell an adult where you are going.
- Always have a friend with you, they can seek help if you get in trouble.
- Stay away from lakes, streams, ditches, and riverbanks – their waters can be deep, fast flowing, and cold. It is extremely difficult to swim wearing winter clothing and these dangerous waters can quickly cause hypothermia.
- Never play around dam structures or culverts – they can have strong water currents that can be hard to escape.
- Never play near or on ice without adult supervision. Ice on rivers and lakes can be dangerous and unstable.
- If you have permission and are with a parent on or around water, wear a Personal Flotation Device – even adults should wear one.
