Scuttlebutt Magazine - June 2008 - (Page 9)

www.scuttlebutt.com June 2008 • Page 9 Boaters asked to play it safe near locks and dams Fishing season is open and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, urges boaters to be safe around dams. At a lock and dam, all vessels should approach carefully and avoid the restricted areas above and below the dams. Restricted areas are marked by danger signs and are strictly off-limits to all boaters. Violators are subject to a citation and a fine. The surface of the water near a lock and dam may appear calm, but strong and deceptive currents lie beneath the surface. There are currents powerful enough to drag a boat and its occupants to the bottom. The currents downstream from the dam are particularly deceptive. They actually reverse direction and flow back toward the dam. Boats can be pulled into the dam gates by the back currents and capsized. A number of drownings have occurred this way that could have been avoided. Boaters should always obey the signals and directions of lock attendants. Commercial vessels with passengers will take precedent, followed by commercial tows, then recreational vessels. Smaller boats should also maintain a safe distance from commercial boats and barges. Larger vessels have less maneuverability and can generate large waves and turbulence. If boaters see another boater in distress near a dam, they should try to contact the lock. Lock staff will shut the gates and make the rescue safer for everyone. Boaters should not go into the restricted area and try to perform a rescue or they, too, will more than likely end up a victim. Any time individuals are in a boat on federal waters, which includes the Mississippi River, federal law requires that an approved, wearable personal flotation device (PFD) be on board for each person. If the boat is 16 feet or longer, a life rind is also required. Children under 13 are required to wear a PFD at all times. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, serves the American public in the areas of environmental enhancement, navigation, flood damage reduction, water and wetlands regulation, recreation sites and disaster response. It contributes around $126 million to the five-state district economy. The more than 625 employees work at more than 40 sites in five upperMidwest states. For more information, see www.mvp.usace.ary.mil. On Sale NOW! New Yachtline 310 Rib. 280 West 84th Street Bloomington, MN 55420 952-888-2350•1-800-888-8063 www.gamarine.com Sometimes you have to picture the worst … to appreciate the best. We hope this never happens to you, but if it does, you’ll be glad you’re insured with us. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH BOATERS Kevin Gruys • Daryl Irlbeck Aircraft & Marine Insurance Agency, Inc. Since 1979 • Licensed in 48 states OR 952-890-1124 800-747-1124 FAX 952-890-0937 www.aircraft-marine.com E-mail: gruys@aircraft-marine.com http://www.scuttlebutt.com http://www.gamarine.com http://www.gamarine.com http://www.aircraft-marine.com http://www.aircraft-marine.com http://www.mvp.usace.ary.mil http://www.treasureislandcasino.com http://www.treasureislandcasino.com

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Scuttlebutt Magazine - June 2008

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