To beat the summer heat, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the 16 recreation areas operated by BC Hydro throughout the province, including the Comox Lake dam recreation area on the Puntledge River in the Comox Valley.
BC Hydro's recreation areas are located on reservoirs and rivers that are a part of hydroelectric generation facilities. BC Hydro is reminding the public to avoid designated danger zones around reservoirs and obey posted signs.
The Puntledge system includes two dams, a reservoir and a powerhouse.
The Comox dam is at the outlet of Comox Lake reservoir and four kilometres downstream is the Puntledge diversion dam. A penstock starts at the diversion dam and carries water five kilometres to a 24-megawatt powerhouse.
BC Hydro advises British Columbians using rivers, lakes and reservoirs near its generating facilities to exercise caution as water levels and flows may change quickly. BC Hydro reminds the public to also follow these safety precautions when around water:
• Supervise children on or near water closely at all times. Children and those who can't swim should wear personal floatation devices.
• Look for hazards concealed under the surface of the water.
• Provide an approved personal floatation device for everyone in a boat or canoe, even an inflatable model.
• Ensure your boat or canoe has a whistle or other noisemaker on board that can be used to signal for help in the event of an emergency.
• Don't overload your watercraft with people or gear.
• Check the forecast before you head out and watch for changes in the weather.
To learn more about how to be safe around water, visit bchydro.com/besafe.
— BC Hydro