Accident Database: Accident #562
| River: | Raritan River |
| Section: | Bridgewater |
| Location: | Robert Street Dam in Bridgewater |
| Water Level: | Medium |
| Difficulty: | VI |
| Accident Code(s): | Lowhead Dam |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 23 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Inexperienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Occupants: | 1 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Initial Report: | DAMS CIAIMS ANOTHER JERSEY PADDLER
June 17, 1989: South Branch of the Raritan River, Bridgewater, N.J. DESCRIPTION: Gary Kugler, 23, drowned on an evening cruise at the Robert Street dam in Bridgewater. At about 11 PM the two attempted to land above the dam; he slipped into the water and was washed over the dam. His girlfriend heard him call for help and summoned rescue squads. His body was recovered three days later. SOURCE: Appalachian Mountain Club (NJ) "Paddle Splashes" COMMENTS: These incidents further illustrates the danger of low-head dams. |
| Report Status: | Completed |