Water Safety

Sudden changes in water flows can occur without warning and cause strong surface and underwater currents near the dams. Swimming or boating in these areas is extremely dangerous. For your safety, observe all warning signs and stay back from Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams.

• Water released from the dams can create hazardous boating conditions and sudden water level fluctuations that impact the shoreline.  Make sure your boat stays wet and anchor well off shore.
  
  
• Safety barriers located above both dams are there to keep everyone safe. Do not go beyond the safety barriers under any circumstances. If someone gets in trouble and goes beyond the barriers, call 911 immediately.
  
  
• Check the weather forecast before starting out. Watch for any wave, wind and cloud changes that signal bad weather is heading your way.
  
  
• Make sure water and weather conditions are safe before entering the water. Cold water reduces body heat 25 times faster than air does at the same temperature. The Columbia River can be cold enough to cause serious harm. Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time.
  
  
• There are no lifeguards on duty at our recreation sites. Please be careful and never swim alone.
  
  
• An approved personal flotation device is required by law for each person on board any boat or canoe, this includes inflatables. Remember that it won't work if you don't wear it.