Stay Safe and Informed This Spring
As winter transitions into spring, warmer air temperatures and melting snow and ice can create hazardous conditions near rivers, lakes, and streams.
Follow these safety tips around water:
- Call 911 in an emergency. Rescuing someone from cold or fast-moving water is extremely dangerous.
- Exercise caution around all water bodies. Riverbanks, shorelines, and trails near water will be slippery due to melting snow and ice.
- Avoid recreational activities in or around water. Always stay off ice-covered rivers, ice jams and all bodies of water.
- Keep family and pets away from rivers and streams. Cold, fast-moving water poses a serious risk if you fall in.
- Never drive through flooded roads. Even shallow water may be deeper than it appears.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) reminds residents to stay cautious and aware of changing water conditions during the spring season.
TRCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program monitors watershed and weather conditions and issues flood messages to municipalities and emergency services and members of the public who subscribe.
- Sign up to receive the same real-time flood information at trca.ca/floodmessages.
- 2026 Spring Safety Message located here: https://trca.ca/news/spring-safety-message-2026/