WELLINGTON COUNTY – Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) crews are completing the annual fall removal of safety booms and buoys over the coming days.
The booms and buoys are installed each spring upstream of dams to alert paddlers, anglers and boaters to stay away from the dams.
The removal of these buoys and booms is set to be completed by Oct. 25, depending on weather conditions.
The removal is necessary as the buoys and booms would be damaged or displaced if left during the winter months during ice and high-water flow events.
The GRCA follows Transport Canada regulatory approvals which indicate safety booms or buoys should be in place during the navigation season (May to October).
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, which can be extremely dangerous.
While the water around dams may appear peaceful, the areas upstream and downstream are much more dangerous.
The GRCA urges people to heed all warning signs and stay away from the dams for their own safety.
In addition to the installation of buoys and booms and associated signage, the GRCA attends community events to promote dam safety, and educates children about the hazards associated with dam structures through its Outdoor Environmental Education Program and at children’s water festivals.
The GRCA also produces a booklet on water and dam safety tips for children, with copies available for school classes located within the Grand River watershed.
For more information about safety around GRCA dams, please visit the water safety page on the GRCA’s website to learn more about the potential hazards and necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
