Dam and River Safety
Safety around Dams
Colliery Dam Park, Westwood Lake Park, Upper Chase River Dam, Harewood Lake Park, Linley Valley Drive Dam & Mount Benson Regional Park
The City of Nanaimo dam facilities can be interesting places to visit provided certain safety precautions are observed. Dams, spillways and the areas nearby can be dangerous to the unwary or the adventurous. Some hazards are readily apparent and some
are not.
Hazards such as water flows and water levels may change quickly and without warning. Floating debris can accompany water level changes, especially in shallow shoreline areas.
In winter think twice about ice. Changing water levels can cause gaps to form under the frozen surface of reservoirs, so avoid skating, ice fishing and walking on ice.
Whatever the time of year, visitors should stay well clear of dams including water intake areas, spillways, log booms, discharge channels and all electrical and operating equipment. Areas immediately upstream and downstream of dams are particularly dangerous
for fisherman, paddlers, swimmers and walkers.
Please respect fenced and gated areas and observe all posted signs. Stay within designated and marked observation areas and be sure to supervise children closely. Also watch out for your pet dog especially if in an off leash area and if near flowing water.
Have a safe and enjoyable visit