Brookfield Renewable Power cautions the public about recreating on or near water as dangers exist on rivers this time of year.

As a very cold and snowy winter gives way to the first signs of spring, rivers may have weakened ice or higher than normal water levels.

Jeff Auser, Brookfield’s Chief Dam Safety Officer, said, “As always, we urge people to observe all signage, warning signals, sirens and barriers, and to wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device when recreating on or near water– regardless of the season.”

Brookfield offers the following water safety tips:

• Use extreme caution when recreating on naturally-for ice, as moving water can affect the thickness and strength of ice. Weather and ice conditions can change rapidly, so remember to check for known thickness of ice.

• Be prepared for runoff and flooding as water flow is greatest in the late winter and early spring when heavy rainfall and melting snow cause waters to rise and frequently overflow stream and river banks.

• Avoid areas such as dams, intake structures, gates, water conveyance structures, powerhouses and substations.

• Stay away from overhead power lines at all times, as these bare conductors are very dangerous.

• Respect all warning signs, sirens, buoys, booms, barriers and fences. Areas inside these barriers are dangerous and are designated as no-entry zones.

• Use only designated recreation areas and respect seasonally closed recreation areas and access. Do not trespass on Brookfield Renewable Power’s or other private properties that are excluded from public access.

• Always use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.

• Be aware that high water levels may persist days after rain or snow fall/melt.

• Never recreate near a river alone; Always tell someone where you are going to be and when you are expected to return.

• Take the time to learn about daily river conditions before recreating. If you are unfamiliar with the river, review USGS Streamflow information at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/rt or ask someone with local knowledge. Another source of up-to-date information is the website Waterline, http://www.h2oline.com/default.htm which includes information on the following rivers, among others:

• Raquette River at Colton Dam, Colton, http://www.h2oline.com/365125.asp

• Raquette River at Hannawa Dam, Hannawa Falls, http://www.h2oline.com/365126.asp

• Raquette River at Piercefield Dam, Piercefield, http://www.h2oline.com/365130.asp

• Raquette River at Sugar Island Dam, Potsdam, http://www.h2oline.com/365127.asp

• St Regis River at Parishville Dam, Parishville, http://www.h2oline.com/365128.asp

• St Regis River at Allen’s Falls Dam, Parishville, http://www.h2oline.com/365129.asp