Inner tubing near residential areas on the Avon River is no way to react to a major weather event, according to Stratford Fire Department.
Following recent heavy rainfall and high-water levels, first responders are urging the community to exercise caution around rivers and waterways.
The storms have caused fast-moving waters, posing significant risks, particularly to children and teenagers.
Stratford FD Deputy Chief Chris Van Bargen, tells MyStratfordNow there is an alarming increase in dangerous activities by youth near water.
“We had a concerned citizen call about three teenage boys seen near Kelly’s Lane, which is the East End of Stratford, going down the river on inner tubes,” he says.
This incident highlights how young people often underestimate the power of water.
Van Bargen said after the past rainstorm he saw two seven-year-old boys and a nine-year-old boy in the water, right on the edge, with fast-moving water just a couple of feet away.
“It was too powerful even for an adult,” he says. “So, I chased the boys away.”
These incidents are not isolated. The recent heavy rains have resulted in dangerously high-water levels across southern Ontario, with some areas receiving up to 170 millimeters of rain.
The deputy chief highlights a particularly dangerous spot near TJ Dolan Park where the dam’s water levels are still significantly high, creating a powerful and hazardous flow.
The dangers were underscored by a recent tragedy in Cambridge, where two adult women drowned.
Despite the risks, Van Bargen notes increased calls about flooded basements.
Local insurance companies have seen a surge in claims related to water damage, he says.
Van Bargen says teenagers, particularly boys, are risk-takers. They need to understand the dangers of fast-moving water.
With these warnings, first responders hope to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of all residents during these unpredictable weather conditions.
