Accident Database

Report ID# 4373

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  • Caught in a Natural Hydraulic
  • Near Drowning
  • Inexperience
  • One Boat Trip

Accident Description

6/9/95 At 1.6 feet an inexperienced 29 - year  old man and friend were advised by NOC guides and a group of  kayakers to portage above Woodall or to run through the narrow passage on the immediate right side due to the hydraulic. After watching the NOC trip and kayakers run the right side,  they attempted to do the same.

Victim was pulled into the hydraulic, flipped, and was pulled under and recirculated. He popped out face-down floating downstream. The kayakers and guides managed to swim him to shore. His face and lips were blue but had a pulse. After a few rescue breaths, he started to breathe on his own. They carried him to the parking lot. Oconee Memorial Hospital paramedics arrived and transported the semi-conscious victim. He was released from the  hospital on June 12.

Source: USFS

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