Steer Clear of Dam Dangers

Water safety

Steer clear of dam dangers

Dams, powerhouses and locks can release large amounts of water with little warning. Learn how TVA warns you — and how to stay safe during your favorite water recreation.

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Schedules change without notice

Water release schedules shift with weather and power demand. Large amounts of water can be released at any time. Check Lake Levels before you head out, and always obey posted warnings.

Avoid dams when water is being released through the spillway, turbines or a navigation lock.

The sudden release of a lot of water creates stronger currents and a deeper river. Even a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet.

Currents can be hard to escape, even in a motorized boat. These dangers can extend far below the dam or lock.

How TVA warns you

TVA uses five-layered warning systems at its dams. When any of them activate, leave the areas upstream and downstream of the dam immediately.

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Warning signs

Posted on land and water to flag restricted zones, strong currents and rising water.

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Horns

Sound before water is released. Leave areas upstream and downstream immediately.

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Strobe lights

Flash before and during a water release from a hydroelectric plant. Exit the area right away.

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Electronic spillway signs

Combine strobes and horns. Activated before and during a spillway water release. Heed them.

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Bouys

Buoys warn approaching watercraft of a dam ahead.

See the signs in the field

Real warning signs and systems posted at TVA dams across the Valley region. Tap any image to enlarge.

Safety by activity

Pick how you plan to enjoy the water. Each activity has its own hazards and its own safety checklist.

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Boating

The Tennessee River is a working navigation channel as well as a recreation destination. Keep your distance from dams, barges and turbulent water.

✅Keep the motor running, even when drift fishing.
✅Never anchor your boat below a dam.
✅Stay seated when the boat is in motion.
✅Follow navigation rules.
✅Watch for barges — they have blind spots hundreds of feet ahead and to the sides.
✅Stay clear of turbulent water from propellers, towboats or barges.
✅Cross the main channel only in high-visibility areas.
✅Never anchor in the channel or tie off to a navigation buoy.
✅Take a boating education class through the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.

Locking through🔗 Staying safe near barges🔗 Boating safety 101🔗

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Paddling

From peaceful streams to thrilling whitewater, paddling rewards preparation. Match water to your skill and dress for the temperature, not the forecast.

✅Paddle water that matches your skill level.
✅Wear a personal flotation device and a helmet.
✅Never paddle alone.
✅Do not paddle rivers or streams in flood stage after heavy rain.
✅Avoid strainers — fallen trees and branches that let water through but trap paddlers.
✅Dress to prevent hypothermia. Avoid cotton.
✅Share your plan and return time with someone who can call for help.

TVA Water Trail Guide🔗

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Swimming

TVA operates designated swim beaches with marked areas for family fun. Whether at a beach or a favorite swimming hole, swim smart.

✅Swim with others — never alone.
✅Enter feet first. Hidden rocks and logs sit below the surface.
✅Avoid strainers that allow water through but can trap a swimmer.
✅Wear swim shoes to protect against sharp rocks, glass and slippery surfaces.
✅Stay visible with bright clothing, a swim cap or a tow float.
✅Use TVA designated swim beaches whenever possible.

TVA swim beaches🔗

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Caught in water

Even a few inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. If you are swept in, these steps can keep you alive.

✅Drop anything that can weigh you down.
✅Get on your back, nose up. Point feet downstream to avoid rocks and foot entrapment.
✅When ready, swim diagonally across the current toward shore.
✅Do not try to stand until you are in shallow, slow-moving water.
✅If you are stranded on an island due to rising water, seek higher ground, stay there and signal for help.