PHOENIX — Warmer weather means more people are wanting to go for a swim, but Salt River Project is reminding residents to never enter or swim in canals.
"It is prohibited, it is illegal to get into the water and it can be very dangerous," Jim Duncan, with SRP, said. "There's debris on the bottom, there's sediment on the bottom. The water is moving at a rate of three feet per second, so people need to be aware of their surroundings, watch out for SRP crews working on the banks and be very mindful of their pets and their children."
Duncan says the sides of a canal are very slick, making it difficult to get out. He says never jump in a canal to rescue pets, objects or toys. Instead, call 911 for help.
The canals are an active work zone, and he asks that residents are mindful of that if they're walking or riding a bike through the area.
"If the crew is working and the bank is open, give them a wide clearance and never try to squeeze between the working crew and the edge of the canal," Duncan said.
