Syracuse.com - New 'personal flotation device zones' established along Oswego River for anglers' safety

[HuntingNY-News]

"We appreciate all the fisherman that come to our city to fish. This is all about their safety, ” Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen said. “We just don’t want anyone drowning up here.” Dennis Nett/The Post-StandardAnglers fish last fall in front of the Varick hydroplant in a restricted area. It's right where two anglers died the year before.An extremely dangerous section of the Oswego River should be a lot safer place to fish these days, thanks to a program announced this week by the city of Oswego and Brookfield Renewable Energy Group.The plan involves “the immediate implementation of personal flotation device zones below the Varick Dam on the Oswego River.” It should have an impact on the safety of anglers who often line up on the river almost shoulder to shoulder during the annual fall salmon river, and whenever else the river’s water level is high and raging.“These mandatory zones are clearly indicated on signage and visually monitored via video security cameras,” according to a Brookfield press release.“Individuals not wearing a personal flotation device are prohibited in these zones, and those failing to comply with these requirements are subject to prosecution for trespass,” the release continued. “It is also prohibited to remain in, or re-enter into the PFD zones – whether wearing a PFD or not – following the activation of the siren or when the red warning light is illuminated, indicating water flow changes nearby the Varick Dam or powerhouse.Just this fall, I watched in amazement as salmon anglers were ignoring the river’s numerous warning signs, sirens and restricted areas. In particular, guys were fishing in a dangerous stretch in front of Brookfield’s Varick hydroplant, where there’s a shelf right next to a 12-foot drop-off. It’s where two fishermen were initially standing before they drowned the year before.Read my story from last fall.What changed?Back then, despite all the signs, sirens and roped off areas, the unresolved issue was that Brookfield actually had no power to do anything. The reason was that the land where the fishermen stepped into the water on the west side, and the river bottom in front of both the dam and power plant, is owned by the city of Oswego.“The city was not interested in filing complaints against fishermen,” said the DEC’s Capt. Woody Erickson. Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen, who took office Jan. 1, said that an agreement has since been was reached between city and Brookfield officials. The city granted Brookfield permission to use and oversee the property’s use, he said.Gillen emphasized that a city policeman would not be posted at the location, nor would one be routinely swinging to check angler for life preservers. Brookfield staff will be responsible for monitoring the area.“If an angler gives Brookfield personnel issues or makes a problem, we (city police) or the DEC will respond and issue a ticket for trespassing,” the mayor said Thursday.Free, loaner, Coast Guard-approved, life jackets of all sizes are available near the location, courtesy of the Wear It! Oswego program, a collaboration of the city, the count’s Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning and the Palladium-Times newspaper. In addition, the Pauldine family, who lost a son who drowned several decades ago in the river, donated $1,000 to buy new life jackets. They can be obtained by anglers at the Wright’s Landing Marina, 21 Lake Street, and at the city’s fire stations on the east and west side of the city.Borrowers must sign a waiver form and leave a valid driver’s license (except children under 18, who required permission and the signature of a parent or legal guardian). For more, call the marina at 342-8186 or the fire department at 343-2161.In addition to the life preservers, lettered 911 river markers have been put up on both sides of the river from the Varick dam to the river’s confluence with Lake Ontario to aid emergency rescue personnel when responding to an emergency. Rescue throw bags and rings have been put at key spots on the stretch. Finally, rescue stations and ladders are also in place.For updates on the river’s water level and flow, anglers can check the U.S. Geological Survey Web site "We appreciate all the fisherman that come to our city to fish. This is all about their safety, ” the mayor said. “We just don’t want anyone drowning up here.”

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