OPG and Tackle Share help kids learn about fishing and safety

Tackle Share Day at Toronto Island is July 11

TORONTO, July 7 /CNW/ - Summer in Ontario brings countless opportunities to get out on the water and this year - for the first time - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is helping to make it possible for even more children and families to learn about fishing, conservation and water safety through its support of Tackle Share, a lending program of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

"TackleShare is a great program to get parents and kids out of doors to fish - safely - in Ontario's great lakes and streams," says John Murphy, OPG's Executive Vice President for Hydro. Murphy noted that sponsoring the Tackle Share program is a natural extension of the public utility's "Stay Clear! Stay Safe!" campaign, which aims to keep Ontarians safe around dams, hydroelectric stations and surrounding waterways.

To kick off OPG's support of Tackle Share, Torontonians will be introduced to the concept at "Tackle Share Day at Toronto Island" - a launch event that takes place on Sunday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to borrow rods, reels and basic tackle from Tackle Share to fish from the shoreline and learn about invasive species and fish identification.

Educational materials on water safety around dams and hydroelectric stations, including a brochure and a DVD for adults will be available at the event, or on line at www.opg.com.

In addition, a television spot produced by OPG - in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police - warns people to "Stay Clear Stay Safe" near hydroelectric dams and stations. These TV ads have been translated into French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. Print and radio ads in Northern Ontario are translated into Ojicree. OPG has also partnered with Lifesaving Society of Canada to provide boating safety tips in 33 languages.

To view the TV ads or to receive water safety materials, please visit opg.com

Tackle Share, a lending program of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, makes it possible for children without equipment to learn about fishing, water safety and conservation. Please visit: www.tackleshare.com

For further information: OPG Media Desk: 416.592.4008 or 1.877.592.4008