MADISON, Wis. — Monday is Dam Safety Awareness Day in Wisconsin.
While sometimes they're popular recreation spots, dams can also be dangerous, which is why natural resource managers urge people to use caution around dams — especially during the summer months.
According to the association of state dam safety officials, about 400 people in the U.S. Have died from dam accidents in the past 40 years.
Which is part of the reason why Gov. Tony Evers declared May 31 Dam Safety Awareness Day.
“Every year, people across our nation are killed or seriously injured by tragic accidents at or near dams, and most of these accidents could be prevented by staying away from restricted areas and learning about the dangers associated with dams,” the governor's declaration said.
People recreating near dams Monday said hey knew there were dangers, like Rachel Rodriguez Perez, who spent the day near the Prairie du Sac Dam with her family.
“We know better, not to go in to deep or just to kind of look at the overall feeling of the water and what area to be around,” Rodriguez Perez said.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges people to use caution around Wisconsin's nearly 4,000 dams this summer. The agency put out the following tips for people recreating near dams:
Obey all warning signs, barriers and flashing lights, horns and sirens
Wear a life jacket
Always stay outside buoy lines and away from restricted areas near dams
Never swim or wade near a dam
Never boat or fish alone when near a dam
Leave your boat motor running to provide maneuvering power
Stay clear of spillways – changing currents and "boiling" waves can make boat control difficult near dams
Be aware that reverse currents occur below dams and can pull a boat back toward the dam into the spillway and capsize it
Never anchor boats below a dam as water levels can change rapidly
Set an example for children who may not be aware of the dangers