Will barbed wire keep them out?

A major step has been taken to help prevent any more drowning tragedies at Dam Number One, on the Trent River in Quinte West.

There were nine drowning deaths at Dam Number One in the past 24-years,  two of them last year.

The Trent Severn Waterway has erected a 10-foot chain link fence at the dam, topped by 2 feet of barbed wire.

Lockmaster Brad Graham told an awareness event at St. Paul’s Secondary School today that young people don’t realize the risk in swimmng at the dam.

He says once they’re caught in the water turbulence they’re unable to get out.

Trent Severn Superintendent Dawn Bronson says education is the key, and she hopes young people will find a safer place to swim this summer.