With the BC Day Long weekend approaching, Fortis BC is reminding residents and visitors of the Kootenays to stay safe around the region’s hydroelectric dams.
Tanya Kowalenko, Public Safety Manager with Fortis BC, said there are multiple areas around dams where recreational activities are prohibited. She urges people to pay attention to signage before they get into or on the water.
“There are a number of areas near our hydroelectric dams that are open for recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating, but it is crucial to obey signage and be aware of your surroundings so that families can enjoy safe summer fun.”
She said it’s important to be aware that water levels near a dam can change quickly, and these fluctuations can create hazardous undertows and turbulence.
“It’s not about a safe distance; there are areas that are marked off with signs that say ‘Do Not Enter.’ For example, if you’re going fishing, some people might decide to go into the water because there are some rocks exposed due to low water levels. However, if the dam were to open, those rocks can quickly become submerged.”
Fortis BC says water level changes are not always accompanied by audible warnings, which is why it’s critical to adhere to safety measures such as fences, railings, and buoys that indicate hazardous areas and restrict public access.
These visual cues are in place to protect individuals from potential dangers associated with fluctuating water levels and flows.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that dams and their surrounding properties are not open to the public. For the safety of everyone, it is crucial to respect signage and fencing.
“Everything can look really safe and the water can appear beautiful, but it’s often not in the back of our minds what could go wrong. All the dams are safe as long as you follow the instructions, rules, and signage. So that’s what we ask people to do,” said Kowalenko.
The Kootenays has already seen one swimmer rescued near Fortis’ Corra Linn Dam on July 15, after becoming stranded on some rocks.
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