Stay Clear, Stay Safe This Labour Day Weekend

(Dufferin County, ON) As we head into the last days of summer, many Ontarians will be out on the waterways across the province. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) remind everyone to think about their safety on rivers and lakes, especially near hydro facilities.

"Even though the summer is coming to an end, and you're thinking about putting your boats and docks away, it's no time to stop thinking and using common sense on the water," says OPP Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey. "There are inherent risks whether water is moving or not. Tragedy can strike quickly and it has this summer. Use your common sense this final long weekend of the season."

OPG and the OPP, partners in water safety, continue to ask people to stay away from dams and hydroelectric stations.

"Stay clear, and stay safe on all bodies of water especially near hydro electric power plants," says Frank Chiarotto, OPG's Senior Vice President Hydro-Thermal. "Water conditions may appear safe, but can change frequently, rapidly and without warning."

The OPP also reminds people not to drink and drive and always wear a life jacket. To date (August 27, 2012) 12 people have died in 11 fatal marine incidents in Ontario this summer, eight of which were not wearing a personal flotation device. It is everyone's responsibility to be aware of the dangers whenever you are in, around, or on the water.

Educational water safety materials are available on www.opg.com, where you can also view the popular and educational television advertisements.

SOURCE: Ontario Power Generation Inc.

For further information:

OPP Sgt. Larry Butterfield
Phone: (705) 238-8524
www.opp.ca
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/OPP_News
or
Contact: Ontario Power Generation
Phone: 1-877-592-4008 or 416-592-4008
Follow us @ontariopowergen