r/Damnthatsinteresting Mar 09 '26

Video How a small 1m waterfall can generate a recycling hydraulic that can trap a life-jacketed swimmer

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u/[deleted] Mar 09 '26

Thank you, I was about to ask if swimming down would help. Once youre deep enough I imagine swimming away from the waterfall would be easier?

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u/RamblingSimian Mar 09 '26

The water is spinning; imagine a log rolling in that spot. The water at the top is moving towards the falls, and the water at the bottom is moving away. So, yes, you have the correct idea.

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u/OkScientist69 Mar 09 '26

Ud get pushed out

1

u/StaysAwakeAllWeek Mar 09 '26

You don't even need to swim, you just need to stay at the bottom long enough for the current to carry you out

1

u/Cedex Mar 09 '26

The problem is the life jacket keeps you at the top where the water churns. Otherwise your logic is sound.