Local Officials Remind Us to Avoid Swimming in Canals | KIFI Local News 8

The weather is continually warming up, with the afternoon heat bringing the temptation for many to cool off in the water. Local officials are encouraging the idea but are asking for caution, especially where it applies to the many irrigation waterways or canals all throughout the region.

“We do have a robust canal system here in eastern Idaho that brings all the irrigation water to the fields. And so that is a tempting thing for families and kids to see these waterways throughout our state. But it’s the most dangerous waterway in the state of Idaho,” Idaho Falls Fire Department Division Chief Fire Marshal Scott Grimmett said.

Chief Grimmett said out of all of the waterways in the region between lakes, rivers, streams and creeks, nothing compares to the hidden dangers that are found in our region’s Canals.

“Canals are the ones that we have the most fatalities for children. And so that’s why we want to talk about it and promote canal safety,” Chief Grimmett said.

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