Also known as "drowning machines," low-head dams are deadly traps of moving water. The only way to survive these traps is to avoid them. As the water flows over the dam, it creates a circular pull of water towards the bottom of the dam (called a "hydraulic"). This is what pulls a person back towards the dam, then underwater and repeats the process. Once caught in this "drowning machine," it's impossible to escape.
							Low-head dams are very difficult to see from upstream. Click on one of the videos which shows a view from upstream of a dam. If the dam is marked, you should see a buoy like the one above before you would see the dam. Unfortunately not all dams are marked with a buoy so it's important to be able to recognize a dam from upstream. Being prepared for the unexpected means knowing the waters you plan to boat.