| River: | Chattooga |
| Section: | Section 4 - Route 76 Bridge to Tugaloo Lake Boat Ramp |
| Location: | Crack-in-the-Rock |
| Gauge: | 2.1' |
| Water Level: | High |
| Difficulty: | V |
| Injury Code(s): | Near Drowning |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Hazard Codes: | Hydraulic/Keeper Hole, High Water |
| Detailed Description: | A Swim in the Hydraulic at Crack-in-the Rock;Water level 2.1’
I mistakenly ran the right crack straight on instead of right to left to avoid the sticky reversal below. I also failed to boof the drop, so when I went over the ledge I was quickly drawn back into the hole. After side-surfing and trying various escape techniques, I was left with no option but to swim. I swam for the left corner of the hydraulic, where I was able to get hold of the rock and pull myself out of the water. Until then I could not get a breath of air. I looked downstream to see everyone else just sitting in an eddy watching. One person offered this excuse: “There’s no good place to get out to throw a rope from.” For those unfamiliar with the strength of this hydraulic at 2.1’, it pulled my paddle back to me when I threw it about fifteen feet downriver!
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| Conclusions: | This was a case in which the people were knowledgeable and properly equipped, but did not recognized the need for assistance nor their ability to give it. As a rule: 1. Go on the assumption that a swimmer always needs your help. Never assume someone else will provide it. 2. Rapids aren’t always the same at different levels. Be sure you know what to do. |
| Report Status: | Completed |