Thanksgiving Weekend Is No Time To Forget Water Safety

OPG reminds people to Stay Clear! Stay Safe!

TORONTO, Oct 5 /CNW/ - Thanksgiving Weekend is a perfect time for one last boat or canoe ride or walk in the woods, but it's no time to let your guard down when it comes to water safety.

"The weather this weekend should be ideal for a canoe or boat ride to see fall colours or go for a hike, but you still need to follow basic water safety rules," said John Murphy, Executive Vice President Hydro, at Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

Murphy also reminded people to stay clear of hydro-electric dams and stations. 

"Water conditions may appear to be safe, but, as our popular television ad says: 'I've seen it change in a snap.  Don't take chances with your life, Stay clear! Stay safe!"'

He also noted that recent rains have increased water flows on some Ontario rivers and increased flows from some hydro dams. This is a sharp contrast from the summer, when record dry conditions resulted in very low rivers and lakes.

This year the company also joined forces with the Canadian Lifesaving Society to reach multicultural audiences.  OPG's Stay Clear, Stay Safe message is one of the Society's Top Tips for Safe Boating and it's now available in 33 languages.

OPG's TV ads are posted at: www.opg.com/safety/nsafe/watersafe.asp
The Lifesaving Society's boating tips can be viewed at www.lifesavingsociety.com

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

For further information:

Contact OPG Media Relations - 1-877-592-4008 or 416-592-4008