Yakima -- Branden walks by this canal to and from school everyday but it wasn't until his family says he was pushed in that they realized how dangerous this canal can be.

Lyle Bonny says, "They cut through the parking lot and walk this way."

Folks in this Yakima neighborhood say they see kids playing around this canal all the time.

They race across this cement wall trying to finish first, that's what Branden and his friend were doing on Thursday.

Branden Inkster, claims was pushed in canal says, "And I was going through the dirt part right here when he pushed me in."

Branden's Mom Linda says he fell in waist deep water and got out before he was pushed into this railing.

Bart Vaughan, Inkster family friend says, "You got two schools not very far away from each other and I'm concerned they're going to end up getting drowned."

The canal is owned by the Naches and Cowiche Canal Company and about 30 inches of water runs all along this wall and is covered in black piping until here.

Sade Malloy, Action News says, "Why do you think they should cover it?"

Martin Chacon says, " Because for some kids it's a temptation to jump in there and play around."

Some neighbors and Linda want it fenced off, so we asked the canal company.

They say it's been left open for a reason they need to let workers clean and maintain the canal.

Linda Inkster, Branden's Mom says, "Let it happen to your child and see how you feel, you may feel the same way."

The Naches & Cowiche Canal Company is sticking by their work.