Kankakee, IL — Two jet skiers walked away unharmed after going over a dam on the Kankakee River on Sunday, offering a timely reminder of the risks associated with summer recreation on Midwest waterways.
According to the Kankakee City Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the dam Sunday afternoon after receiving reports that a personal watercraft had gone over the structure. By the time responders arrived, the two riders had already pulled themselves from the water.
The pair told firefighters they had been operating their jet ski above the dam but became disoriented and unfamiliar with the river’s layout. They drifted too close to the drop-off and were unable to avoid being swept over by the strong current.
Officials said the jet ski remained lodged downstream for nearly an hour before firefighters were able to retrieve it. Fortunately, both individuals had been wearing life jackets and were not injured.
Dams, particularly low-head dams like the one in Kankakee, can be deceptively dangerous. Often called “drowning machines,” they produce powerful, recirculating currents that can trap boats, jet skis, and even experienced swimmers.
With the summer boating season ramping up, officials urge water enthusiasts across Illinois and the Midwest to stay alert and stay informed—especially when navigating unfamiliar rivers.
Boaters are reminded to check local waterway maps, observe posted signs and barriers near dams, and always wear a personal flotation device.
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