AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and Brookfield Renewable Power have partnered to urge outdoor enthusiasts to exercise safety on the state’s waterways, especially near inlets, outlets and near hydropower plants.
The Winter Waterways Safety campaign is aimed at snowmobilers, ATV riders, anglers, skaters and others who enjoy frozen waterways to be vigilant about personal safety.
A public service announcement, “Don’t Become a Statistic,” was filmed and produced by IF&W and Brookfield and will begin airing this weekend on many televisions stations statewide. There will be print advertisements in the Maine Sportsman and Northwoods Sporting Journal and messages on the IN&W’s Turnpike radio station.
What the producers hope viewers will take home is: water conditions around hydropower plants and on rivers, streams, lakes and ponds can change quickly and without notice. While icy waters above or below a dam may look safe for recreation, churning waters under the ice can pose a hidden danger, according to Brookfield Renewable Power. Heed the posted warning signs and be aware of your surroundings, the company advises.