GRCA News: Warning booms at GRCA dams being installed

The Grand River Conservation Authority annually installs warning booms or white buoys upstream of GRCA dams to warn paddlers, anglers and boaters to stay away from the dams.

This is one of many safety procedures developed by the GRCA to reduce the risk for people who enjoy water activities on local reservoirs and waterways. The hazards around dams can cause serious trouble and the risk of injury or death if warning signs are ignored.

The orange booms at dams are gradually being replaced by yellow booms, consistent with regulations set by Transport Canada, which oversees navigable waterways. For this reason, some of the booms are orange and some are yellow. The booms are made of plastic floats joined together by a chain.

Installation is planned for the following dates, although the schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions:

• April 15/16 – Rockwood and Everton
• April 29 – Conestogo and Woolwich
• April 30 - Guelph and Shand Dam (Belwood)
• May 6 – Byng Island (Dunnville)
• May 7 – Caledonia and Wilkes Dam (Brantford)
• May 8 – New Hamburg and Parkhill (Cambridge)
• May 9 – Bissell and Drimmie (Elora)
• May 10 – New Dundee, Baden and Wellesley
• May 13 – Breslau

The water around dams can look peaceful, but the area upstream and downstream is much more dangerous than it appears. Water surges through gates and valves or over the dam, creating strong undertows and currents around the dam, where you can be pinned below the water.

The buoys and booms are installed each spring and then removed in the fall before winter freeze-up.

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Media Contacts:

Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications Coordinator
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca