The drowning of two men in the Niagara River at the foot of West Ferry Street in Buffalo on Monday has many wondering what else can be done to make that part of Buffalo safe.
Broderick Park has become a popular spot for fishermen and those looking to take in the sights of the Niagara River. However, it has also attracted adults and children who go into the dangerous waters every year.
The city said it use to have life rings and ropes deployed along the railings near the river but those items were continuously stolen and were not replaced.
So what can the city do?
Following the drownings, Buffalo Police announced plans to install life rings that will be kept inside an emergency box, that when smashed open, would send an alert to 9-1-1.
Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen said he felt it might be worth installing signs in different languages to warn Buffalo's growing foreign-born population of the dangerous water conditions.
The YMCA Buffalo-Niagara is urging all adults and children to take swimming lessons and learn the rules of water safety. More information about the YMCA swimming programs can be found here:
http://www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly has more reaction in his report.
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