SVCA advises public to stay away from local rivers and streams

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) is advising the public to stay well away from local rivers and streams, for safety reasons, particularly over the Easter holiday weekend.

River banks at this time of year can be very slippery and unstable. In addition, children can be unaware of the dangers created by fast flows and extremely cold water.

Over the past few weeks, conditions have been favourable for the gradual melt of snow and ice throughout the Saugeen watershed, states a press release from the SVCA. However, snow cover is present in forests and wetlands and in the upper reaches of the watershed.

Weather officials are calling for above-average temperatures, in the range of 12-15 degrees Celsius, over the next 24 hours. Showers are also in the forecast, but significant flooding is not expected at this time.

The SVCA will continue to monitor weather and river-flow conditions. This  message is in effect until 11 a.m. Thursday, April 9, unless a further message is issued.