Spring Safety Message: Be Careful Around Waterways

Hazardous conditions on and around bodies of water

Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) reminds residents of dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. As spring approaches with warmer temperatures, rain, melting snow and shifting ice can contribute to higher, faster flowing water in local watercourses.

CLOCA’s watershed has experienced significant snowfall over the past several weeks. As temperatures begin to climb, melting ice and potential rainfall will contribute to higher water levels and increased velocities in local rivers and streams. Waterbodies may still be partially covered in ice and hazardous conditions may exist as the ice begins to break up. Slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to hazardous conditions close to bodies of water.

CLOCA is reminding residents to practice spring safety and remember the following tips:

💧Riverbanks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion.

💧Keep family and pets away from the surfaces and edges of all bodies of water to prevent falling through or into cold and fast flowing water.

💧Avoid recreational activities in or around water bodies, especially near ice-covered rivers and streams at this time of year.

💧Do not attempt to walk, skate or drive on ice-covered bodies of water.

💧Never drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.

💧If you live next to a river or stream, move patio furniture or other objects away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water.

💧Rescuing another person or a pet from icy or fast flowing water is dangerous. If you see someone has fallen in a body of water, call 911 for help immediately.

CLOCA continuously monitors the watersheds in its jurisdiction for potential flooding, through the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, and will continue to monitor watershed conditions throughout the transition to spring.

Flood Forecasting and Warning Program

Spring Lake Ontario Water Levels:

Seasonal rise in water levels occur in the spring on Lake Ontario due to the runoff from all the river systems that drain into it. The greatest risk occurs when elevated water levels occur together with wave action from high winds. Impacts can include shortened beaches, flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to the lake, as well as erosion to trails and other public spaces.

Water level forecast information for Lake Ontario can be found on, the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board website.

International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board