ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox

Jumping from Structures

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It's not uncommon for low-head dam structures to be misused as diving or jumping platforms. This presents the same significant risks as other recreational activities and could end with being caught in a hydraulic roller, being swept away downstream, being trapped against the face of the dam, and many others. Additionally, there are several risks associated with jumping or diving off of any structure, including a lack of awareness of the depth of the water below, the presence of subsurface hazards like rocks and submerged debris, as well as structures of the dam that could all cause injury if someone were to jump in to them. Miss-judging dam heights and water entrance angles and exponentially increasing free-fall velocities can be fatal. Again, it's important to always remember that while dams may serve many purposes, recreation is not among them.


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Revision ID: 5641
Revision Date: 12/14/2022