Take care, stay safe around canals

Abstract

Water Kidz In South Africa, we make use of hundreds of kilometres of water canals to move water from its source to places where it is required. While the water in these canals can look extremely inviting, especially in the hot summer months, they can be dangerous, and people should steer well clear of them. For the safety of all, swimming, fishing, playing and/or other recreational activities are not allowed in or around canals. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to keep people out. Most canals do not have protective barriers around them. It is very difficult to build a fence around a canal that is hundreds of kilometres long! Canals are usually full during the warmer months of the year when irrigation water is needed most. This is when they are at their most dangerous. The majority of the country’s open canal systems were designed and constructed many years ago, and are located in remote, rural areas. However, today, as communities grow and encroach onto canal servitudes, many of these canals now form part of urban and suburban landscapes.

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