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 and can be difficult to get out of.

Don't drink irrigation water

    • Irrigation water comes directly form the river and is not suitable for consumption.

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

    • These can impede water flow and maintenance and cleanup efforts.

Do obey any posted signs along ditches and canals

  • They warn of danger

  • They help keep you safe