AHSAHKA, Idaho -- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Dworshak Dam and Reservoir staff need help from the public to return life jackets back to the Corps loaner boards, located at several recreation areas on the reservoir.
“Currently, more than a dozen life jackets from the public-use loaner boards are missing,” said Brittney Haupert, Dworshak park ranger. “If you forgot to return a life jacket, you can drop it off at any loaner board or bring it to the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center.”
In an attempt to prevent drowning fatalities on Dworshak Reservoir, five different loaner boards have been built -- two at Bruce’s and Big Eddy, and one at Dent Acres. Jacket sizes varying from infant to extra large adult are stocked for public use. All of the life jackets are identified with “LOANER” and “DWORSHAK DAM” in large, block lettering and the visitor center’s phone number.
“We aren’t trying to get anyone in trouble, we just need the life jackets back so other visitors can borrow them to be safe, too,” said Haupert, “Whether you borrow ours or bring your own, please remember to always wear a life jacket when in and around the water – safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Visitors should also be aware that the reservoir is dropping about 1 foot per day, as reservoir outflows are used to help keep downstream rivers cool for migrating salmon and steelhead. When using mini-camps, remember to leave extra line when tying off your vessel. Boat-launching facilities are available at Big Eddy, Bruce’s Eddy 1, Grandad, Dent Acres Park and Freeman Creek (Dworshak State Park). For updated water-level and boat-launch information, call 800-321-3198 or go online to www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nww/rreports.htm.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Dworshak Dam Visitor Center, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tours are offered daily at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. through Labor Day, Sept. 1. For more information, you can contact the visitor center at 208-476-1255.
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Release no. 14-061