Safety improvements made to Dashields Dam after two kayakers die

Changes are being made ahead of the weekend at the Dashields Dam following the deaths of two local women out kayaking.

Their loved ones say this was necessary and a long time coming.

"Too many people are losing their lives on that river," said Ken Brandy, Helene Brandy's uncle. "We want to be part of the process to correct that."

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Channel 11 learned safety work on the Dashields Dam moved forward Thursday.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers added more buoys upstream. Wednesday, a lower set of buoys was put in place.

Channel 11 talked with Helene Brandy's uncle, who said the family has petitioned for improvements to better signal the dam is ahead.

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• 1 dead, another missing after kayak accident on Ohio River
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Helene and her friend Brittany Evans went over it and drowned.

"Needs to be taken care of,” Brandy said. “Something else needs to be done there.  It's not sufficient."

The Army Corps of Engineers will also work on adding signs and warnings.

Brandy said the pain is still very real, and the family's mission is to make sure no one else has to endure what they've been through.

"This is something you never get over.  It'll always be with you," Brandy said.

Officials tell Channel 11 a safety summit is also planned this month.

Cox Media Group