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USCG & Auxiliary Urge Caution Around Dams
Monday, August 08, 2011
 PITTSBURGH, PA -- Mindful of the recent rescues of seven boaters at the Emsworth and Highland Park Dams, the United States Coast Guard and Auxiliary civilian volunteers want boaters to be aware of conditions like strong water currents at dams.
People also need to be careful with their vessel handling during high water flows especially after rains, when conditions can change rapidly. Entering an area near a dam that was safe in low flows may put vessels at higher risk of an accident at these times. Decreasing water temperatures at night will also limit the ability of a boat's crew and passengers to react and affect survival time, should the vessel swamp or capsize.
In addition to always wearing a life jacket, other boating safety tips from the Coast Guard include the following:
• Tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Test your boat and make sure that all equipment is present and operable before launching.
• Boat within your capabilities, given the conditions on the water.
Take these precautions, especially around dams --
• Observe all the area's barriers, flashing lights, horns and sirens.
• Leave your boat motor running to provide maneuvering power.
• Stay clear of spillways; changing currents and "boiling" waves can make a boat difficult to control.
• Never anchor a boat below a dam because water levels can change rapidly at this location.
For more information about boating safety, visit www.cgaux.org.
Photo Credit: KDKA
Submitted by:
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
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