MADISON, Wis. (May 6, 2022) – Along with warmer temperatures, spring also means more rain and higher water flows on area rivers. These flows are reminders of how strong the forces of nature can be and how important it is to stay safe when you are involved in recreational activities on rivers.
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers recently proclaimed May 7, 2022 as Dam Safety Awareness Day and is partnering with hydro power companies and the Department of Natural Resources to promote public safety awareness near dams. Alliant Energy is joining with these partners to help prevent accidents throughout the boating and fishing seasons.
The purpose of Dam Safety Awareness Day is to heighten safety awareness of recreational and fishing enthusiasts as they return to the waterways. Many accidents and fatalities occurring near dams could be prevented by practicing safety, staying clear of dams and understanding potential risks.
Alliant Energy, Department of Natural Resources personnel and local safety officials urge people to use common sense to stay safe on rivers and near dams:
- Understand the dangers near dams
- Stay away from hazardous areas
- Obey all warning devices such as signs, lights, sirens and verbal warnings
- Wear an approved personal flotation device
- Keep your boat motor running when near a dam so you can quickly leave or maneuver
- Stay clear of the dam spill area, where unpredictable water conditions make boat control difficult
- Never anchor boats below a dam because water levels can change quickly
- Do not cross buoy lines
- Bring a cell phone to call 911 in an emergency
Alliant Energy wants anglers, boaters, outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to enjoy the many exceptional recreation resources to be found on rivers and around dams in the region. People are urged to practice safe use of the areas so that they can be enjoyed for generations.
Hydroelectric facilities, including Alliant Energy’s Kilbourn Dam (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.) and Prairie du Sac Hydro (Prairie du Sac, Wis.), have provided customers with safe, clean and reliable energy for over 100 years and are an important component of Alliant Energy’s clean energy generation portfolio.
For more safety information, visit alliantenergy.com/damsafety.
Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 1 million electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.