Stratford Police continue to expand the areas they serve.

A new partnership has been announced between the city’s police force and the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority that will see officers conduct lake patrols on the Wildwood Reservoir.

Officials say the lake patrols are being done to help ensure a safe and relaxing outdoor experience for all visitors.

In a press release, Stratford Police Chief Greg Skinner says that “On average, 160 people drown in Ontario each year” and “with the expansion of the Stratford Police jurisdiction to include Wildwood Conservation Area, it is our duty to partner with the Conservation Officers to enhance safety on the water by increasing our visibility.”

He adds that “our focus will be on proactive, prevention-based lake patrols to increase safety on the water.”