Hopefully Kentucky residents will heed a recent warning of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: boating near locks and dams in Kentucky is dangerous and potentially life threatening. The agency is reminding Ohio River and Kanawha River boaters that they are not allowed to boat directly downstream or upstream of the navigation dams on those rivers. These areas are incredibly dangerous and as such they are permanently restricted to everyone except those vessel operators who are on official business.

It is never safe to boat near locks and dams, which can have strong reverse currents as well as whirlpools. Many serious boating accidents have taken place when boaters violate the ban and enter these areas. When boaters are in the restricted areas, it is possible that their boats may capsize or become disabled.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is asking boaters to pay attention to signage and buoys in these areas to ensure they do not come too close to the restricted areas. Boating too close to the dams poses an imminent safety risk. The buoys are placed at a proper safe distance from the dangerous areas.

The Corps advised boating near locks and dams in Kentucky is particularly hazardous when rivers are rising, as the currents become even more hazardous.

Officials are also warning Kentucky residents and boaters of the following:

• Do not anchor by a dam spillway. Currents here can pull a boat under.
• Do not swim in restricted areas. Be careful on the shoreline near these areas. If you fall in by a dam, you may be carried into or over the dam and it is very likely that you will not have the strength to swim out and to the edge.
• Make sure you understand the rules and regulations before going onto or near the water.
• Wear a life jacket.

Paying attention to warnings like these and following boating rules can prevent disasters. Many serious boating accidents take place because boat operators fail to abide by the law–they boat while drunk, speed and fail to look out for small personal watercrafts. In order for everyone to enjoy the waterways, it is important that everyone follows the rules. If you are injured in a boating accident, it may be important to talk to a personal injury attorney about your rights and options.  We invite you to contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 for a free consultation.