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Ag water Safety

5 Points of Canal Safety

Do Not Enter - Never jump into a canal to save your pet or even a friend. If it's an emergency, call 911 to retrieve something from a canal.

Hidden Dangers - Canals have many hidden dangers. Underneath the smooth water, canals may be full of trash, vegetations, and irrigation structures. These hidden dangers may trap you and prevent you from getting out of the canal.

Private Property - Canals, laterals & ditches are private property. If you recreate by a canal, you may be trespassing. The roadways along ditches are not open to the public. If you are in or near a canal you may be trespassing.

Stay Out - Canals are not a safe place to swim. Canals are built to deliver irrigation water. Many canals have unseen debris and swift undercurrents that are difficult to escape.

Watch Children - Never leave children alone by a canal. Teach children to stay away from canals. Children may not understand that canals are full of hidden dangers.

Canal Safety 101 - Downloadable Image

Otto Otter Program

IWUA and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation have partnered together in the Otto Otter Program to promote canal safety and ag water awareness.

Otto Otter curriculum is designed for third graders. The curriculum set includes a coloring book, sticker, and a certificate for each student. To order Otto Otter curriculum please use the Otto Otter Store below.

Learn More

Otto Otter Store

Downloadable Canal Safety PowerPoint Presentation