Bobbi the Buoy: I’m there for a reason

Hi there, Bobbi here again. I may look cheerful and smiley, but I’m here to do a very serious job. And that’s to keep you and your family away from trouble. You see, me and my friends, we’re there for a reason. When you see us lined up on the water’s surface near a dam or hydroelectric station, we’re signaling a very real danger zone. If you decide to cross our line, you’re putting your life on the line.

You’ll see us buoys at dams across Ontario and the U.S., keeping people safe every day. In Ontario, OPG operates 66 hydroelectric stations and 239 dams on 24 river systems. In the U.S., OPG operates more than 80 hydro stations through its Eagle Creek subsidiary. So, we’re everywhere, staying vigilant and saving lives.

When you’re near any of these facilities, just remember one thing: Dams can create currents that can kill.

It’s a scary thought, but you need to hear it straight from someone who’s seen it all.

In my time, I’ve seen how water levels and flows can change rapidly and with little to no warning. It may be fun for a buoy like me, but I can assure you, it’s no laughing matter for humans. To top it off, most of OPG’s facilities are remotely controlled, so there’s nobody there to warn you of danger. That means if you suddenly find yourself in turbulent waters, it might be too late, and not even a buoy like me will be able to save you.

So, if you’re a boater, angler, or just a recreational enthusiast, please remember to obey all the warning signs around OPG’s dams and hydro stations. Maintain a safe distance from booms, barriers, and buoys marking the danger zone. And stay clear and stay safe to be dam safe.

Did you know?

In cold weather, ice forming near dams is deceptively thin and can give way beneath you, plunging you into dangerously cold and turbulent waters.

Dry or calm riverbeds below dams may look safe but they can quickly change into rapidly flowing waterways with dangerous currents.