To The Haldimand Press
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of water enthusiasts. As part of its annual safety procedures, the GRCA will be installing warning booms or buoys upstream of GRCA dams to alert paddlers, anglers, and boaters to stay away from the dams.
Dams can pose serious hazards that can result in injuries or even fatalities if warning signs are ignored. Water surges through gates and valves or over the dams, creating strong undertows and currents around the structures that can be extremely dangerous. To help manage these risks, GRCA is installing plastic floats joined together by a chain to create booms that serve as public safety devices.
The installation of these buoys and booms will take place upstream of GRCA dams between April 17 and April 27, subject to weather conditions. In accordance with Transport Canada regulations, GRCA is gradually replacing the existing orange booms with yellow booms.
It is important to remember that while the water around dams may appear peaceful, the areas upstream and downstream are much more dangerous. The GRCA urges all water enthusiasts to heed the warning buoys and booms and stay away from the dams for their own safety. These safety measures will be in place throughout the spring and summer months and will be removed in the fall before winter freeze-up.
For more information about safety around GRCA dams, please visit grandriver.ca and educate yourself about the potential hazards and necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
