Spring Time Brings Water Dangers

OPG Reminds People to Stay Clear! Stay Safe!

TORONTO, April 1 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is reminding people to take extra care on Ontario's waterways this Easter weekend.

"The ice is out on many rivers and lakes and even though it's early in the season the warmer weather has prompted anglers to trespass on OPG property near our Aquasabon Generating Station in Northwestern Ontario," said John Murphy, OPG's Executive Vice President Hydro.

"Our water safety message is pretty simple. 'Stay Clear! Stay Safe!' The water flows around power dams can change very quickly. The areas around our structures are clearly marked with warning signs, but we still find people boating, fishing and hiking in these areas," he said.

Boaters and anglers should be aware that people who don't heed the warning barriers and signs can be charged," he added.

OPG research has shown that while most people understand the risks of boating near power dams, anglers as a group are more likely to ignore the warnings.

"No fish is worth your life, or the life of a loved one. We've made a real effort to reach out to boaters and anglers through spring outdoor shows and have provided our material to more than 20,000 people this year alone. These are people who enjoy the outdoors, want to do it safely and are likely to act as safety ambassadors," Murphy noted.

OPG provides a variety of water safety materials, including a brochure and DVD at www.opg.com.

The OPG web site also has award winning water safety public service announcements that were produced in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police. These are also available on You Tube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyXQ4bag5ik

For further information: OPG Media Relations, 1-877-592-4008 or [phone]