Warning booms installed upstream of GRCA dams

The Grand River Conservation Authority is installing warning booms upstream of dams in order to protect paddlers, boaters and anglers.

The GRCA installs these booms every spring and this year is replacing older orange booms with yellow ones, so they want the public to be aware they may see both colours. The booms are a series of plastic floats, joined together with a chain.

The booms are to warn water users of the hazards around damsand the risks of strong undertows. The GRCA said that below dams, strong backwash and undertows can create conditions that trap water users and pin them below the water.

Installation is planned for these dates and locations, subject to weather conditions:

• Tuesday, April 18 Rockwood and Everton.
• Thursday, April 20 Wellington Street (Guelph), Conestogo and Woolwich.
• Friday, April 21 Bissell and Drimmie (Elora), Shand Dam (Belwood).
• Monday, May 1 Byng Island (Dunnville).
• Tuesday, May 2 Caledonia and Wilkes Dam (Brantford).
• Wednesday, May 3New Hamburg and Parkhill (Cambridge).
• Thursday, May 4Baden and Wellesley.
• Friday, May 5 Breslau and New Dundee.

The booms are removed in the fall.