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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District Public Affairs Office 332 Minnesota St., Suite E1500 St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone: (651) 290-5807 Fax: (651) 290-5752 cemvp-pa@usace.army.mil
ST. PAUL, Minn. – With many people celebrating on the water this 4th of July, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, extends a word of caution to everyone recreating – especially after a recent boat rescue at Lock and Dam 3 June 26.
Last week when a disabled pontoon was headed toward the dam’s roller gates, operators at Lock and Dam 3, near Red Wing, Minnesota, launched the emergency boat to rescue the boat’s passengers. Everyone involved escaped without injury thanks to the hasty efforts of lock personnel and responders with the Prairie Island Police Department and Goodhue County Sheriff's Office.
This good news story – and the fact that river currents remain strong following spring flooding – provides an opportunity to highlight best practices when planning a trip on the water:
Finally, it’s been a long spring with historic lake and river levels across the Upper Midwest. These high waters continue to plague several locations across the region to include the Mississippi River. Caution is urged if boating on the river due to sediment shifting into areas that are normally much deeper. Please be aware that channel conditions and depths can change rapidly and without warning.
For information on locking through a lock and dam: www.mvp.usace.army.mil/Portals/57/Locking_Through_Safely_Handout_9-2018-2.pdf
Find photos of the water rescue: www.facebook.com/usace.saintpaul
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Release no. 19-054
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