It's a wonder that there haven't been any serious boating accidents at Idols Dam on the Yadkin River, given that boaters receive inadequate warning that they're approaching the dam and its 10-foot drop. The utilities division of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County should work quickly to correct that problem, and to nail down a deal with a landowner to allow for boaters to safely carry their canoes and kayaks around the dam.
As it is now, a sign warning paddlers that they're approaching the dam has been covered by vegetation, Lisa O'Donnell reported in Monday's Journal. Another sign letting people know where to get out and carry their boats around the dam, or portage their boats, was bent down so far that you couldn't see the lettering from the river.
That's created a dangerous situation. Low-head dams such as Idols are often called "drowning machines" because the recirculating water can keep pulling a person under.
The Yadkin's currents are generally gentle, making it a good river for beginning paddlers. But the Idols Dam situation poses a threat to paddlers, especially new ones. The river is wide before it plunges over the dam. If you're on the side across from the portage point, you'd have to paddle hard to make it to that point -- if you could even find it. Both banks are high and brush-covered.
And when the water's high and the current more rapid, you've really got a recipe for disaster.
The inadequate warning of Idols Dam has rightly concerned people such as Neil Conner of the High Rock Lake Paddlers group and Montie Hamby, the president of the Yadkin Pee Dee River Trail Association. Hamby told the City-County Utilities Division about the problem.
To its credit, the division has started work toward correcting the problem. It plans to put up signs alerting paddlers about the dam and telling them where to portage.
Officials with the division are also talking to a landowner about plans to improve the portage area. Those things need to happen quickly.
As Hamby noted, paddlers need to do some homework before getting on a river. That should include asking whether there are local dangers, such as the Idols Dam.
But local governments should help with warning signs.
Paddling should become an important part of this region's tourism industry. The Yadkin is one of our region's many fine rivers. The Idols Dam area is rich in both historic and natural scenery. Officials should also make sure that it's as safe as possible, both through adequate signs and a good portage area.
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