Logan County's waterways hold hazards

[June 20, 2013]  With the return of warm weather to central Illinois comes the wish to be outside. For those who plan on accessing Logan County's waterways, the Emergency Management Agency has sent out a message of caution when being around the water.

Director Dan Fulscher said that last year's drought reduced the water levels enough that people were able to walk across the creek beds.

"Water-related problems were at a minimum in Logan County. ... In the past six years, we have had four weather- and water-related deaths inside Logan County," said Fulscher.

This year, however, the water has come back, exposing new obstacles and creating new undertows in the water.

Dan Fulscher, left, and Mark Miller

Fuslcher said that those who are fishing, boating or tubing on the waterways need to treat their water-going experience as if they were driving on the highway. Fulscher said there should be a designated spotter in every group to stay off the water in case of emergencies. Fulscher also encouraged the public to place protective padding on their cellphones to resist water and to always wear a life jacket.

Fulscher said the EMA has one boat and one dive team, and sometimes it will take significant time to reach an emergency that is called in, as Logan County is over 600 square miles in size. The dive team is composed of nine divers and six people who remain on land. Furthermore, the Logan County EMA has worked with other emergency agencies in the past when the need has arisen.

Fulscher also advised the public to watch their alcohol intake, as accidents are more likely, statistically speaking, when alcohol is involved.

Fulscher advised that people stay in contact with someone when they are out on the water, and no one should go out on the water alone.

"We're hoping that the dive team stays in the house, and we hope it lasts all summer," said Fulscher.

Nick Hanson, left, and Mark Miller

Lincoln Fire Department Chief Mark Miller stressed the same safety advice, as did Nick Hanson, assistant chief of the Lincoln Rural Fire Protection District. Hanson added that the dive team is made up of volunteers who have diving experience.

Fulscher said there is a dangerous area in particular where Salt Creek connects with Kickapoo Creek. Both of the creeks on their own can be very powerful, and combined they make for a potentially dangerous experience. In addition, there is an old section of railroad tracks south of Route 66 where people may try to jump off into the water. Fulscher advised against it, saying there is a large, deep hole and areas of debris they may fall into under the surface.

[By DEREK HURLEY]