Abstract: A method for maintaining the position of a containment boom in a fast flowing waterway. Firstly, providing an elongate containment boom having a first side, a second side, a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis. The containment boom consists of a plurality of smaller substantially coaxial boom sections. Secondly, providing a plurality of floats having floating deflector appendages. Thirdly, placing the plurality of floats at spaced intervals along the containment boom between the boom sections, with the floating deflector appendage of each float oriented on the first side of the containment boom extending outwardly at an angle in relation to the longitudinal axis and pointing generally toward the second end.