Local Resident Reminds Waterfront Users in the Rice Lake Area to be Mindful of the Dangers

In Local

A enjoyable evening along the waterfront in Bewdley turned into something more than expected on Thursday, April 6, 2023.

With a beautiful sunset, Heather Masson thought it would be a perfect backdrop to take photos of her teenage daughter along the waterfront.

“I made an unscheduled detour to enjoy the cotton-candy sunset at the lake in Bewdley,” said Masson.

“It was a perfect night. The sky was filled with gorgeous colours and the ice was starting to pull back and reveal the open water.”

The mother and daughter even spotted the first snapping turtle of the season.

But as Masson posed her daughter with setting sun in the background, there was something else she noticed.

Along with a crushed can along the shoreline of Rice Lake she noticed a capped floating syringe. “This special moment quickly turned into a teachable moment about safety for my child.”

“I’ve shared our experience as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant as the snow reveals both the beauty of the season ahead, and the sadness the winter has left behind.”

Masson advises for people to be mindful of the dangerous materials around Rice Lake.

“I safely retrieved the syringe from the water. I have since packaged it in a plastic sealed container and will dispose of it tomorrow.”

As there were no safe containers (known as sharp’s containers) for the needle in the area, she disposed of the needle on Friday morning.

But said, “be safe friends,” and advised people to be cautious no matter where they are along the lakeshore.

Pete Fisher
Author: Pete Fisher

Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love

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