This reversal will carry boats or swimmers back to the face of the dam. Once the swimmer or boat reaches the face of the dam, water coming over the dam drives them to the bottom and downstream. If the swimmer or boat rises to the surface and is still in reversal, they can once again be pulled back to the face of the dam. This cycle can continue over and over until a boat is destroyed or a swimmer has drowned. Once caught by reversal, it is nearly impossible to escape without help.
Some people believe they can swim out of a low head dam.
This may be possible at very low water levels but at higher water levels, the unbelievable turbulence would leave a swimmer disoriented. Hundreds of people die every year as a result of low head dams. The Warren County Swiftwater Rescue Team conducts training using the low head dam at Riverton. If you ever have any doubt about the power of a low head dam, just ask one of the rescuers. Be safe and I'll see ya on the water.