We have lost so many children to this

[Momma_Halo]

How much do you know about irrigation canals. I hear it all the time "well I use to play in them and I lived."

They are so dangerous it is not funny. Here in Idaho we have them for everything. From farms to our watering system. They are low cost for homeowners to water their lawns (60 dollars from March to the end of October).

But we have lost about 6 kids this year to them. People think they can swim in them and they will be fine. I myself almost lost my life to a creek here. I hit some rocks and got stuck in a whirl pool between two rocks. Someone was on my side that day.

And if a creek can do that imagine what irrigation canals do.

Canal Safety - What Can You Do?

• Don't Swim in ditches or canals
  • Water is very cold
  • Water moves very fast and can sweep you away before you have a chance to get out
  • Others can be pulled in trying to rescue you
  • Ditch and canal bottoms can contain hazards or debris that are dangerous and can snare you

• Don't play in, on or around ditches/canals or irrigation structures. Canal banks and irrigation strucures are private property.

• Don't play, walk, run, etc on ditch and canal banks
  • Banks can be steep and slick

• Don't drink irrigation water

• Don't use boards, old trees or other things to build bridges across ditches and canals

• Do obey any posted signs along ditches and canals
  • They warn of danger
  • They help keep you safe
  http://www.pioneerirrigation.com/safety.html
  

That site and this site both have sections to help educate your children and teens about canal safety.

The Dangers of Irrigation Canals? 

Every year in Idaho, more than a half dozen children and adults drown in irrigation canals. As Idaho population increases, so does the number of drownings. It is a sad fact that more children drown in canals every year in Idaho than in any other body of water.

 

Many Idahoans, newcomers and life-long residents alike, really don't understand the danger posed by an irrigation canal. To some, it’s just a small creek running past their property. There are thousands of miles of irrigation canals in Idaho. Canals are deeper and water flows swifter than most people think. The average irrigation canal depth is 7 - 10 feet deep. Typical canal flows are 520 cubic feet per second, which equates to more than 233,000 gallons a minute.

 

Irrigation District officials want Idaho residents to know irrigation canals are dangerous.

 

Not only do irrigation canals run very fast and cold, canal banks are also nearly vertical, making it almost impossible to get out should you fall in. A person who falls in a canal has to cope with the steep, nearly vertical banks; a fast, deep flow of water; and no shallow spots. That combination of factors spells certain tragedy.

 

What many people also may not know is that canals are private property. They are not public thoroughfares. If you go on the irrigation canal property without permission, it is trespassing and against the law. Roads alongside canal banks are not public roads. The roads are private easements use to patrol and maintain irrigation canals. Trespassers should be reported to your local police department.

 

The only safe irrigation canal, is the one you stay away from. If you have any questions about irrigation canals or other related issues, please contact your local irrigation district office.

http://www.idahocareline.org/eLibrary/Irrigation%20Canals%20Danger.html

Tags: safety, children, parenting, canals, water

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