Wabash County proves dangerous

Posted by Brent on 6/22/10 • Categorized as WildBlog

Low head dam- the "killing machine"

It was a bad weekend for Wabash County outdoors enthusiasts.

On Saturday, June 19, a kayaker attempted to shoot the dam at near Roann, Indiana on the Eel River. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recovered his body on Sunday. He wasn’t wearing a life jacket.

Early monday morning at 2 a.m., police and fire officials conducted a rescue of a 20-year-old hiker who fell to the bottom of a 25-foot waterfall in Salamonie State Forest. The women was “hiking with friends” when the incident occurred.

We don’t claim to know the specifics of these incidents but several common patterns emerge.

Paddlers should always wear a life jacket and NEVER attempt to run low-head dams. The common name for a low-head dam in the rescue business is “Drowning machine.” Though the water might look calm, it will kill you…every time!

As far as hiking on slick waterfalls at 2 a.m.- just don’t.

Remember: most injuries in the outdoors are victim-induced. Don’t let fatigue, machismo, alcohol or prodding friends override your better judgment. On the other hand, you might get a prominent mention on WildIndiana.com.

We might even send flowers to the funeral home your demise was particularly spectacular.

Story links:

Florida Man Drowns While Kayaking- Ft. Wayne Journal-Gazette.

Hiker rescue at waterfall- Ft. Wayne Journal-Gazette.

Info to save your life:

Fremontrescue.org low head dam page

IL Paddling Council Dam Safety Tips for Paddlers

Boatsafe.org low head dam safety