| Barriers & booms


highly likely to result in fatalities. In 80.5% of cases, at least one fatality occurred. The ages of those involved ranged from 2 to 59 years old, with most victims in their mid-20s to mid-30s. The individuals involved were participating in various activities, such as swimming, canoeing, rafting, fishing, or paddleboarding.


These findings underscore the urgent need for more effective safety measures beyond signage to protect recreational users.


Solutions Removal of obsolete dams The DRE report estimates 1.2 million dams across Europe, with over 150,000 obsolete. This means that they no longer fulfill their original purpose and often pose both environmental and safety risks. The report also highlights ongoing efforts


to address these concerns, noting that nearly 500 dams were removed in 2023 as part of river restoration projects. The removal of such structures is crucial for enhancing river health and safety, as obsolete dams are frequently associated with accidents involving swimmers, kayakers, and other recreational water users. Regulatory action plays a key role in driving these efforts. For instance, the EU Nature Restoration Law, approved by the European Parliament on February 27, 2024, following an agreement by member states in November 2023, mandates the removal of man-made barriers to restore at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers in Europe by 2030. This law aims to improve both ecological connectivity and public safety.


Regulatory measures The DRE report underscores the limitations of relying solely on warning signs for safety. In at least 15 documented incidents, signs were present but ignored, suggesting that such measures alone are not sufficient to prevent accidents. This points to two key issues: 1) warning signs, while necessary, are often ineffective on their own, and 2) there is a gap in the existing data and potentially in safety protocols across European rivers. The report does not specify whether safety booms were in place at the time of these incidents, indicating a need for more comprehensive regulations. To effectively reduce the risk of accidents, regulations should not only mandate the installation of warning signs but also require physical safety interventions, such as safety booms, coupled with public education initiatives and stricter enforcement.


Safety booms Safety booms provide a physical barrier to prevent swimmers, kayakers, and other recreational users from entering dangerous areas. These booms can be customized to suit the specific conditions of a river or waterway, significantly reducing the risk of fatal accidents. By offering an essential layer of protection where traditional warning measures may fall short, safety booms play a crucial role in protecting human lives near dams and other hazardous water structures.


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Safety projects Kinloch Rannoch Project 2023 Kinloch Rannoch Weir is a historic structure situated on the River Tummel in the Scottish Highlands, regulating the flow of water from Loch Rannoch into the Dunalastair Reservoir. This adjustable low dam is designed to maintain sufficient upstream water depth while allowing controlled water flow. To enhance safety for water users, particularly


kayakers, the installation of barriers is necessary to prevent access to hazardous areas near the infrastructure. These barriers, supported by clear signage, aim to ensure that no one approaches the structure, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall safety. Bolina Watercraft Safety Booms (CAB400) are specified for this purpose, providing effective protection in the area. Figure 1 shows the layout plan for booms and supporting components. The upstream boom, which is 63 meters in length, is anchored by a ground anchor at one end. Moving downstream, there are two additional booms: the first is 65 meters in length, following a curved path toward the shore, and


Above: Figure 2: CAB400 upstream Kinloch Rannoch, Scotland


Below: Figure 3: CAB400 downstream Kinloch Rannoch, Scotland


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