CANAL & WATER SAFETY
Acres of crops and orchards conceal more drowning hazards than you may think. In addition to canals, there are farm ponds, slurry storage pits, water-filled well tailings pits and wells. The best advice is to just stay away from them.
- Fast-moving water can knock you off your feet and carry you a long way, even if it’s only a foot deep!
- Swift undercurrents and turbulence can drag you under and keep you there, even if you are an excellent swimmer.
- The sides of a canal, whether concrete or dirt, are often steep and slippery, which makes them almost impossible to climb.
- Stay away from grates, culverts and spillways. They can also be hazardous.
Otto Otter is the Bureau of Reclamation’s canal safety mascot. East Columbia Basin Irrigation District offers canal safety presentations aimed at educating elementary aged children on the dangers of canals. If you would like this message brought to your school, contact Dannielle Walraf at (509) 488-9671. Coloring books and bracelets are available with school presentations or at our office located at 55 n 8th, Othello, WA 99344.
Subtitles for YouTube videos can be activated by opening the settings and clicking the “CC” icon on the bottom right hand side of the video player.
Subtitles for YouTube videos can be activated by opening the settings and clicking the “CC” icon on the bottom right hand side of the video player.
Subtitles for YouTube videos can be activated by opening the settings and clicking the “CC” icon on the bottom right hand side of the video player.
