Recent Low Head Dam Drownings

[JPTolson]

In view of the drowning tragedies of the past week, I intend to emphasize the danger of low-head dams to all of the individuals who ride in my canoe during Riverfest since it's very likely most will not realize the safety threat that they pose. I encourage all other club members who will be giving canoe rides or escorting kayaks to do the same.

http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/...sing-following

http://www.mariononline.com/news/201...king-accident/

[swampboy62]

Great idea. The general public really doesn't understand the power in those innocent looking boils downstream of a low head.

I know a mtbr who is interested in starting kayaking. For some reason he's become fixated on running a low head dam. When he told me this, I just looked at him in shock. My reply was to show him the hair standing up on my arms and tell him that I've been paddling over 20 years, and what he just said sounded a lot like a suicide plan. Just don't fool with them.

On a good side note, that old low head on Middle Fork Little Beaver Creek in Lisbon at the park is now gone.

Steve Z

[mfdanko99]

WOW, so sad to hear of fell kayakers' loosing there lifes like that. I agree on making people aware of how bad low head dams are. On the Mahoning we have several. Newton falls, leavittsburg (by canoe city), Summit St warren, old WCI dam warren, Girard, division street. (Marshall street is an old one that has been breach and has a easy path in both side with no under current) (Center st has been completely taken out due to chuck miller. Aka rebar rapid. Struther dam but I do not advise paddling through it. Lowellville, breached right side. And passable with no under current thanks to chuck miller.

Those are the ones on the Mahoning. In the early 2000's two were removed in warren. The first is now lovers lane rapid and the copperweld dam.


JP thank you for finding the articles

Mike-
Be safe this up coming summer

[JPTolson]

Chuck, Mark, and Ray get the credit for finding and posting the articles on Facebook.

[JPTolson]

Originally Posted by JPTolson

In view of the drowning tragedies of the past week, I intend to emphasize the danger of low-head dams to all of the individuals who ride in my canoe during Riverfest since it's very likely most will not realize the safety threat that they pose.

Of the people who rode in my canoe at Riverfest, only one was aware of the danger of low head dams. All others had no clue. I suggest that we continue to make friends and family aware whenever appropriate.