Oswego River safety

by: Chet Davis (NCC News)

December 1, 2010 5:30 p.m.

New safety measures will be employed regarding fishing on the Oswego River.

In a meeting discussing angler safety, Oswego Major Randolph Bateman, area official, residents and fisherman discussed the easiest ways to make Oswego River safer. The ideas include:

• Placing signs on the east side of the river to show river levels can rapidly change

• Installing depth poles to provide water levels in the river

• Placing life wings on the west linear park that could be used to save fishermen in trouble

• Installing distance markers to assist with the exact location along the river when in an emergency

The improvements come following the deaths of two fishermen on September 28 on the Oswego River. Leonard Nichols, 45, and Clifford Luther, 52, were swept down river after the water level quickly rose. Both men died soon after the accident.

The Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism, & Planning is also getting involved. David Turner, the director of the county planning, said the departments will make pamphlets with safety information for the public.

“I think general education is key to anything you do over there,” Turner said. “If people aren’t informed about it and what it means, it’s not going to be successful.”

Turner believes that even the most experienced hunters or fishermen need to be updated on safety measures. Sometimes the unexpected can happen to anyone.

“Things just happen and no matter what the sport is, I think that constantly reminding folks that there are dangers and you should take precautions, that should go on no matter what,” Turner said.

Turner and his department are willing to partner up with other groups to help spread safety information.

The safety upgrades will be worked on throughout the winter and be in place come spring.