River Safety Program Celebrates 25 Years! 

The River Safety Program, and its beloved characters, Splish and Splash, celebrate 25 years of raising awareness about being safe around water. 

Each year, Upper Thames River Conservation Area (UTRCA) Community Education staff present important water safety and water systems messages through a series of interactive activities. Throughout the years, this program has been adapted to reflect changing curriculum, class sizes, technology, and inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge. The program even went virtual during COVID-19 restrictions when staff were not able to attend classrooms. 

Thanks to sponsorship from service clubs and community groups, over 1,550 students were able to participate in the program in 2023. These groups included the Rotary Clubs of St. Marys and Stratford; the Optimist Clubs of Downie, Kirkton-Woodham, Mitchell, Shakespeare, Tavistock, Byron, Thorndale, Carling Heights; Thamesford Lions; and Tecumseh Community School.  

With change always on the horizon, the next 25 years of the River Safety Program will continue to adapt while ensuring that important messages about protecting people and property, delivering stewardship, and engaging communities and youth remain prevalent and relevant.