Two kayakers are considered “lucky to be alive” after they went over the Dock Street Dam in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
A WGAL8 news report shared that the pair were thrown from their kayaks and struggling in turbulent water when good samaritan fishermen helped the kayakers until a water rescue craft arrived.
Low-head dams: a drowning machine
Both kayakers sustained minor injuries. While an inflatable kayak was pulled from the river, a hard-bodied kayak remains to be recovered, still circulating in the dam.
Dock Street Dam is a low-head dam, or a dam with strong recirculating currents that can push victims under water. Often called a “drowning machine,” low-head dams are nearly impossible to escape.
To avoid low-head dams while paddling, research your route beforehand. Lowhead dams are manmade structures generally featured on maps and guides to water trails. Kayakers should always steer clear of low head dams and portage around them when traveling downstream. Check water levels and wind before you head out as both water levels and wind can make finding a take-out challenging. Be sure to both wear a PFD and bring a throw bag. When in doubt, choose a different route.
Hidden danger on the Susquehanna River’s Dock Street Dam
According to a recent report by PennLive, the rescue comes after a federal lawsuit was filed against the city of Harrisburg by Elizabeth Hibble, wife of Michael Brook. Brook died in a boating accident at the Dock Street Dam in 2023 when his fishing boat stalled and drifted downriver, and unbeknownst to Brook, toward the dangerous dam. Brook, his friend Elijah Rothell, and the boat went over the dam.
Both Brook and Rothell’s life jackets were ripped off by the force of the dam. Rothell was rescued while Brook died from hypothermia and freshwater drowning.
The lawsuit claims that the city violated the Dam Safety Act by not having required warning buoys in place and that the city knew how dangerous the dam was and did not do enough to protect boaters.
Additionally, a PennLive investigation found that 31 people have died at the Dock Street Dam since 1913.
After being swept over the Dock Street Dam in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, two kayakers are safe and one of the two boats has been recovered. Feature Image: ABC27 News | YouTube
Don’t be stupid. Know your surroundings. The Big Susque is a dangeous river. RTM