FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ) — As water fills the canals throughout Fresno County, deputies take the opportunity to remind the public of how dangerous they are.
The canals are currently at full force and the sheriff’s office has some tips that can be seen below to stay safe and avoid a deadly incident as they are strong than they appear:
- Irrigation canals are not swimming pools. Even though canal water may look calm and slow-running, there is an undertow that could drag even a strong swimmer under water. Additional hazards lie beneath such as trash and branches, which can tangle up a person.
- The water temperature is about 55 degrees and can cause hypothermia, which can paralyze a person to the point where they cannot move or swim to safety.
- Canals have grates, culverts, spillways and in-water energy dissipation devices. These elements create whirlpools too strong to escape.
- Be careful walking along canal banks. The dirt and rocks can easily crumble, causing you to slip in. Once in, the steep slopes and slippery walls of the canal make it nearly impossible to get out.
- Driving can also be dangerous as some roads run very close the water’s edge. Avoid distractions and as always, do not drink and drive.
- Stay out of dry canals as well. Water can be released without notice and fill them very quickly.
