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TVA Urges Boaters and Fishermen to Stay Away From Dangerous Waters
Posted by: TimothyT on: 10/22/2010 03:49 PM in Nautical [ Print ]
A recent boating incident at Wheeler Dam in Decatur, Ala., is an important reminder that water being discharged from powerhouses and spillways on the Tennessee River system can be extremely dangerous. This has also happened on Lake Ontario in New York recently, so we assume this is something that is more widespread and worth a mention.
Three fishermen were pulled to safety Wednesday, Oct. 20, and lucky to be alive several hours after their fishing boat was caught in turbulent water near a hydro-generating unit at Wheeler Dam. The boat sank Tuesday night at the base of the dam's powerhouse.
Wheeler Dam is equipped with a tailwater warning system. When activated, warning horns and strobe lights warn of the rapidly rising water and turbulence. Signs also warn boaters of the dangers.
"To be safe, boaters and fisherman should not get close to the base of the dams. It is a very dangerous place to be," said John McCormick, senior vice president of TVA River Operations. "An enjoyable day of fishing can quickly turn tragic if boaters and fisherman don't heed the warnings and get caught in rising, turbulent waters that are being discharged from below the dams."
Anyone who sees unsafe activities can contact TVA Police at 800-824-3861 or their local law enforcement agencies.
For more information about avoiding the dangers surrounding dams, locks, and powerhouses go to: TVA: Hazardous Waters .
Three fishermen were pulled to safety Wednesday, Oct. 20, and lucky to be alive several hours after their fishing boat was caught in turbulent water near a hydro-generating unit at Wheeler Dam. The boat sank Tuesday night at the base of the dam's powerhouse.
Wheeler Dam is equipped with a tailwater warning system. When activated, warning horns and strobe lights warn of the rapidly rising water and turbulence. Signs also warn boaters of the dangers.
"To be safe, boaters and fisherman should not get close to the base of the dams. It is a very dangerous place to be," said John McCormick, senior vice president of TVA River Operations. "An enjoyable day of fishing can quickly turn tragic if boaters and fisherman don't heed the warnings and get caught in rising, turbulent waters that are being discharged from below the dams."
Anyone who sees unsafe activities can contact TVA Police at 800-824-3861 or their local law enforcement agencies.
For more information about avoiding the dangers surrounding dams, locks, and powerhouses go to: TVA: Hazardous Waters .