As spring blooms across the region, Otonabee Conservation is ramping up efforts to ensure public safety around dams with a series of crucial operations.
The conservation authority’s staff are currently engaged in spring dam operations, which involve installing stop-logs into dams and placing warning buoys and buoy-lines upstream of Authority-owned dams.
These safety measures are not taken lightly, as the consequences of ignoring dam warnings could result in serious injury or even death. Warning buoys are installed each spring and removed before winter freeze-up, contributing to a safer environment for outdoor enthusiasts. They function as “floating fences,” alerting paddlers, anglers, swimmers, and boaters to keep their distance.
To complement these efforts, land-based signs alert boaters of approaching dams, while additional signage mounted directly on the dams themselves highlight inflow and outflow areas. Portage routes are also clearly marked to facilitate safe passage around dams and spillways.
Over the next two weeks, dam operations will be in progress at several sites, including Warsaw Dam in Warsaw, Lang Mill Dam and Hope Mill Dam in Lang, and Millbrook Dam in Millbrook.
While the water around dams may appear calm, it hides the dangers lurking within. Strong undertows and currents are common around dam areas, making them hazardous zones for unsuspecting individuals.
Otonabee Conservation’s ongoing efforts aim to reduce risks and ensure a safer environment for all who enjoy Ontario’s natural waterways, emphasizing the importance of heeding the warning buoys and signs and avoiding dams.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
