New safety measures for river swimmers

KC

New safety measures are being put in place along the Rhone River downstream from the Seujet dam.

Electronic displays showing how fast the river is flowing are being put up and there’ll be signs put up to make sure there’s no swimming upstream from the Sous Terre Bridge towards the dam. 

Authorities point out the dam can release water with little or no notice as the flow of the river is governed by inter-cantonal and international agreements. 

The level of the lake has to be kept constant and the flow of the water has to be sufficient enough to make sure there’s enough coolant for French nuclear power plants. 

There’s also a new siren to warn swimmers of an approaching barge. The 56-meter-long barges run 9 times a week, taking rubbish to an incinerator. When they turn, they block the whole river.

Swimmers are asked to be careful in the river and use their best judgement. 

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