River Conditions at the Little Pigeon River

WATER SAFETY

• Watch children at all times. If they are anywhere near the water, they should have on a life jacket. Currents are swift and not always visible from the water’s edge.
• No matter you age or ability, always wear a certified life jacket when on or near the water.
• Study the lake or river and know the course, speed and difficulty level.
• Always travel with a friend – being alone on the water can be disastrous in the event of an emergency.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Watch the weather reports – heavy rains greatly influence the water levels and currents.
• Items to Pack: life jacket for each person, waterproof bags, insect repellent, maps or GPS, sunscreen, extra dry clothing, flashlight, first aid supplies, fire starter, repair kit and tools, extra food and water, emergency shelter, knife.
• Visit TVA’s Hazardous Water site to familiarize yourself with the warning signals and the danger zones surrounding the dams. A large amount of water can be discharged through a dam without warning at any time. When the demand for electricity is high, the turbines that generate electricity at a dam may start automatically, resulting in a significant increase in the flow of water within only a matter of seconds. Similarly, river operations for flood control can create rapidly rising water in otherwise shallow riverbeds, especially below tributary dams, which are usually located in steep terrain.