Posted by Cheryl on 11/11/2008, 3:26 pm, in reply to "update on death on the Blackstone"
Message modified by board administrator 11/11/2008, 3:56 pm

In regards to the recent tragedy on the Blackstone River, we feel a note of caution should be brought to the attention of all paddlers. A 17 year old boy drowned while canoeing with his father near the Pratt Dam in Lincoln this past weekend. We do not know if they were attempting to run the dam or got caught up in the current, but it was a very tragic day. The current can be very strong in that area.  Never attempt to run the Pratt Dam tubes. The tubes usually have debris in them and are a real entrapment threat.  Branches, car parts, re-bar and such are washed down the river and are hidden underwater in the tubes and therefore not visible to paddlers!  There is a take out before the dam, but caution is still necessary in times of high water.