For Release: 04/24/2009
Gov. Doyle joins Midwest Hydro Users Group and Wisconsin DNR in Promoting Public Safety at Dams
Hydro Power Companies observe Dam Safety Awareness Week April 26 - May 2, 2009.
High river flows due to melting snow and heavy storms are a stark reminder of how powerful the forces of nature can be and how important it is to stay safe when boating, canoeing, kayaking or seeking other recreation opportunities on rivers. Wisconsin Public Service Corporation joins with the Midwest Hydro Users Group in observing Dam Safety Awareness Week April 26-May 2, 2009, to promote public safety awareness near dams and to help prevent accidents throughout the boating season. The Hydro Users Group and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have been joined in promoting safety awareness by Gov. Jim Doyle who has proclaimed April 26-May 2, 2009 as Dam Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin.
The Midwest Hydro Users Group (HUG) is an association of dam owners whose purpose is to promote safe, efficient, economical and environmentally friendly use of hydroelectric power. The purpose of Dam Safety Week is to heighten the safety awareness of recreational and fishing enthusiasts as they return to the waterways. Many of the accidents and fatalities that occur near dams could be prevented by using common sense, practicing safety, staying clear of dams and understanding the dangers to be found near them.
HUG, DNR personnel and local safety officials offer these common sense tips to stay safe on rivers and near dams:
- Obey all warning signs, barriers and flashing lights, horns and sirens.
- Wear a personal floatation device (PFD), a life jacket.
- Always stay outside buoy lines and away from restricted areas near dams.
- Never swim near a dam.
- Never boat or fish alone when near a dam.
- Leave your boat motor running to provide maneuvering power.
- Stay clear of spillways; changing currents and "boiling" waves that can make boat control difficult near dams.
- Reverse currents occur below dams, they can pull a boat back toward the dam into the spillway and capsize it.
- Never anchor boats below a dam because water levels can change rapidly.
- Especially in spring, cold water can cause hypothermia that could result in death from drowning.
- Always have a safe escape route planned when near a dam. Be prepared to evacuate at the first sign of danger.
- Bring a cell phone and contact 911 in an emergency.
- If you get swept off your feet in the water,
- Stay calm. Do not try to stand up. Drop anything that may weigh you down. Lie flat on your back.
- Do not let your feet hang down in the water. Keep your feet up and pointed in the direction you are floating. Use your feet to cushion impacts with rocks, etc.
- Go with the flow. Move diagonally across the current to nearest shore.
- Waders generally trap air inside and may not cause you to sink, unless you try to stand up. When you reach shore, roll on to dry land to drain the water from waders. Do not stand until the water is out of waders.
- If trapped on an island, stay there. Wait for water to recede or signal for help.
HUG members want fishermen, boaters, outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to enjoy the many exceptional recreation resources to be found on rivers and around dams in the region. People are urged to practice safe use of the areas so that they can be enjoyed over and over again.
For More Information, Contact:
- Bill Bloczynski
715-539-4016
- Ed Brandt
715-732-0358
- Wisconsin Public Service Customer Service
800-450-7260