Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely – Around Water

With the water recreation season in full swing during the Fourth of July weekend, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers to be safe around all waterways, including PG&E’s Lake Almanor and Lake Britton.

For a safe and happy holiday, PG&E, which operates a vast network of hydropower facilities throughout the Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascade mountain ranges, is asking its customers to follow these water safety tips:

Water Safety Tips

• Stay off of flume walkways and never get in a flume or canal.  Canals and flumes have steep, slippery sides and icy cold water. Once in a canal or flume, it can be very difficult to get out.
• With the drought causing lower lakes and rivers, unseen hazards like rocks and trees can be closer to the surface.
• Conditions change quickly in open water and even the best swimmers can misjudge the water and their skills when boating or swimming. Wearing a life jacket can increase survival time. Know your skill and don’t swim or boat alone.
• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. Never leave children unattended.

To learn more about other electric, gas and water safety tips, visit www.pge.com/hydrosafety.