CLEMMONS, N.C. -- Two Triad recreation groups say Idols Dam on the Yadkin River in Clemmons poses a danger to canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts.

High Rock Lake Paddlers and the Yadkin Pee Dee River Trail Association are asking the city of Winston-Salem to put up additional signage to warn paddlers about what lies ahead as they make their way downstream. Turbulent waters mark the bottom of the dam's 12-foot drop.

The city says it's taking action to help ensure their safety.

"The option to getting out of the river safely that changes so rapidly," said Terry Tester with High Rock Lake Paddlers. "Someone could certainly get themselves in trouble in a moment's notice."

The sign telling paddlers to get out of the river and walk their canoe or kayak around the dam was damaged by a spring tornado and partially obscured by vegetation.

Tester says paddlers need more warning.

"The existing signs that were already in place were probably insufficient from the average person's point of view," said Tester. "They were there, but they've obviously did not have the attention that they certainly should have."

The city's utilities division says it's listened to the groups' concerns and is taking steps to increase paddlers' safety.

"We agreed to assist and add additional signs at their request to warn folks as they come down the river," said Bill Brewer, the division's water treatment superintendent.

Brewer says the signs should get paddlers' attention.

"We've ordered additional signage for the trestle as well as upstream," said Brewer.

Tester says he'd like to see additional signs upstream, perhaps on the bridge at the Tanglewood access.

"Then at least they're warned there to be expecting in the distant coming miles that there will be a low head dam hazard coming up," said Tester.

Tester also would like to see buoys placed upstream, a step Brewer says might be taken at a later date.

As someone who bought a canoe just two weeks ago, Brewer says the call for additional warnings has merit.

"People need to be warned that there's an imposing danger coming up and, you know, we've never been opposed to making sure that happens," said Brewer.

Brewer says the new signs should be in place by the end of next week.

Winston-Salem bought Idols Dam from Northbrook Carolina Hydro in 2002 and water pumped from the river at the dam serves as Forsyth County's primary source of drinking water.