CANAL SAFETY - “STAY OUT & STAY ALIVE”

At the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) community safety is important to us and when the weather warms up, canal safety is at the top of our list.

Like it has for generations, each year in the middle of April, NID fills its irrigation canals to deliver water to farms and other customers in Nevada and Placer Counties.

While water from canals is the lifeblood for many local farms, it also can be dangerous for people walking or playing near the canals. Fast underwater currents, especially in irrigation canals, can knock people down and quickly sweep them away. Irrigation canals often have steep, slippery sides that are almost impossible to climb. Some canals have culverts and gratings that might create a trap.
That is why we ask parents to take time each year when the weather warms up to review canal safety and share it with their children.

The Nevada Irrigation District’s message to the community is “Stay Out and Stay Alive!”

• Don’t swim or wade in canals — ever!
• Keep a safe distance from the edges of the canals. Canal sides are extremely slick, making it difficult to get out.
• Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing are prohibited
• Keep pets away from the water and dogs on leashes.
• Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the canal banks.
• Stay away from equipment at water delivery gates.
• Respect property rights. Don’t litter or dump trash.
• Never jump in to rescue pets, toys or other objects.
• Call 911 if someone falls in. Do not jump in to try to save them. Reach with a hand or an object, or throw them anything buoyant they can grab.

Please be cautious and use good judgment around the canals and ditches when recreating.