Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness
Did you know that more U.S. residents have been injured or died in low head dam drowning incidents over the last two decades than in actual dam-breaks?
WWE has joined with American Academy of Water Resources Engineers, Environmental & Water Resources Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), The United States Society on Dams, the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, American Rivers, Trout Unlimited, Boy Scouts of America, Utah State University, and Brigham Young University to raise awareness of this important safety issue.
April is Low Head Dam Safety Awareness Month. In a Proclamation, the organizations call for: 1) Spreading awareness of the dangers and risks associated with low head dam structures. 2) Encouraging public assistance in identifying locations throughout the country where these dams are located. 3) Encouraging people who recreate on or near water to avoid low head dams both upstream and downstream. 4) Keeping a safe distance away from dams both upstream and downstream to avoid drowning, and if you need to go around them, walk or portage over land to a safe distance downstream.
American Society of Civil Engineers Environmental & Water Resources INSTITUTE (ASCE-EWRI)
In 2021, ASCE-EWRI determined that annually, April will be known as Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month. The designation is meant to draw awareness to the safety hazards posed by low head dams to swimmers, kayakers, or other river goers, who may not recognize these structures and the turbulent currents they may cause.
Low Head Dam Public Safety Awareness Month is meant to spread awareness of the risks associated with low head dams. EWRI encourages the public to assist in identifying low head dams across the country to create a database of where these dams are located to protect those who may not be aware. Marked low head dams could keep residents safe by knowing where to avoid recreational activities that would be dangerous in the vicinity.
ASCE EWRI Information Page
Colorado Department of Natural Resources
WWE collaborated with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to raise awareness of low head dams in Colorado, help create an inventory, and promote the use of warning signs. Click below to see the DNR’s information page on low head dams.
Colorado DNR Webpage on low head dams
PUBLIC SERVICE VIDEO
WWE’s Andrew Earles developed a video to raise awareness of low head dams and the danger they can pose.
Low Head Dam VIDEO
Low Head dam class for emergency responders
WWE gave a presentation to Denver Firehouse No. 1 on the hidden dangers of low head dams. Click below to see the recording.