Awareness the key for recreational canal safety plan

As summer activities on Welland's recreational waterways are in full swing, the City is taking measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

To achieve this goal, the City has adopted the Recreational Canal Safety Plan, which includes the Welland River and the Recreational Canal.

This plan provides the public with crucial information on water safety and drowning prevention.

"We invited Ontario's Lifesaving Society to conduct a comprehensive Aquatic Safety Audit of the Recreational Canal to maximize the safety of residents who use the waterways," said Nicole Pilote, supervisor of aquatics and recreation programs. "The new plan aims to engage and educate residents on how to make the recreational canal safer year-round."

In addition, the City will release information relevant to the season's safety risks through podcast episodes, social media content, and more.

The proposed safety plan is not intended to restrict public use of the waterway but to ensure that the public knows the safety measures.

The City is expanding the plan to include a public education series, water safety day campaigns, and a free lifejacket loaner program at the Docks.

Residents can view the Recreational Canal Safety Plan (https://www.welland.ca/RecCulture/pdf/RecreationalCanalSafetyPlan-Appendix1.pdf).

- -

For media inquiries, please contact:
Marc MacDonald, Corporate Communications Manager
905-735-1700 x2337
marc.macdonald@welland.ca