The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is reminding residents of the importance of practising caution around open water while also seeking support for its Children’s River Safety Program.

“It can happen anywhere. I think anywhere there is open water. It takes very little water to drown, and when you have these added risks of fast-moving cold water and slippery banks, you really need to use caution everywhere that you are,” community education co-ordinator Karlee Flear said.

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In July, a 13-year-old Hamilton girl drowned at St. Marys’ Wildwood Conservation Area while she was visiting with her family. According to police, the girl was found underwater in the designated swimming area. In the summer of 2024, there were 13 drowning deaths in the Southwestern Ontario

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