Two days after a kayaker died near the Dashields Lock & Dam, the U.S. Coast Guard and its civilian auxiliary volunteers are reminding boaters to be aware of dangerous conditions at dams, especially strong water currents.
RELATED: 1 dead, another missing after kayak accident on Ohio River
The Coast Guard said:
- People 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.
RELATED: What we know about Helene Brandy, the kayaker still missing
In addition to always wearing a life jacket, other boating safety tips from the Coast Guard and Auxiliary include the following:
- Boat sober. Save "the party" afterward for the shore.
- Tell somebody on land where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Test your vessel and make sure that all equipment is present and operable before launching.
- Boat within your capabilities, given the conditions on the water.
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