Niagara River deaths are very disturbing to all area divers...Gary - Rescue/Carpenter
September 25, 2007 at 05:40:27We dive this area about 3-4 times a year, it is very popular with all who have done the run from the mouth of the Welland which is
dredged to flow in reverse direction to feed the canal. We usually jump in off the wall that allows the Niagara to flow into the Welland. When I first heard of this accident I couldn't believe it, I consider this to be a relatively safe and exhilarating run, I thought that the divers had to be inexperienced which prompted me to look further into this tragedy. There are warning signs that state that the water levels are subject to change, I have heard reports that on
occasion the river is "reversed" for periodic inspection and maintenance. If this was the case as is being reported, the Ontario hydro authorities should be more responsible in their monitoring procedures. This is an area known to be very popular with area divers, the expectation should be that divers could potentially be in the water at any given time. The responsibility lies in getting this information out to the public and perhaps posting watch while
inspections and repairs are made. There are only a few areas where divers routinely access the water in this area, it is not unreasonable to expect Ontario hydro and local authorities to at the very least post signage and survey the area to prevent future tragic accidents. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of those lost last Sunday September 15th. | 
