On June 15, 1997 Father's Day turned tragic for a family on Kentucky ’s Licking River . The river was coming down from a high level. Two brothers and the youngest son of one of them were kayaking near the Terry Dam in Cynthiana. One person - it's unclear who- was sucked into the hydraulic from downstream. In the wild scene that ensued each tried to save the other and took turns becoming trapped in the backwash. Despite their life jackets Larry Ratliff, 53, and his youngest son Terry, 23, were pulled into the hydraulic.  Both were pronounced dead at the scene.  The victim's brother capsized during a rescue attempt and was washed out unharmed.

SOURCE: Lexington, KY Herald-Leader; Henderson, KY Gleaner

ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Although most people who drown at dams drop into their hydraulics from above, a few are pulled in from below. For this reason the area of frothy water below the dam should be given a wide berth by downstream boaters.