The Drowning Machine, December 16, 2018

(2018) The Drowning Machine, December 16, 2018. Public Health, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

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Abstract

“Drowning Machine” is the term used to describe the dangerous situation that is created when water flows over a low-head dam. As the stream of water flows over the dam it drops into the water below creating a backwash or a current. This recirculating current, which is also known as a “hydraulic,” can take an object (including a person) to the bottom of the stream. The current then brings the object back to the dam. Once at the face of the dam the object is forced back to the bottom from the water pouring down from above. This recirculation can hold in an object, even a boat, indefinitely and can be impossible for even an expert swimmer to escape.

Item Type: Departmental Report
Keywords: Death, Drowning, Rivers, Dams
Subjects: Health and medicine > Public health
Natural resources and environment
Natural resources and environment > Water resources > Dams
ID Code: 33759
Deposited By: Margaret Barr
Deposited On: 18 Sep 2020 14:30
Last Modified: 18 Sep 2020 14:30
URI: https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/33759