Stop Swimming Near Daniels Dam, Maryland Police Warn

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Countless people have been flocking to Daniels Dam in Patapsco Valley State Park during the coronavirus pandemic. It's a beautiful area, but also dangerous, warns the Maryland Natural Resources Police. A sign posted near the shallow entrance to the water area warns people to avoid swimming within 300 feet of the dam.

"Strong turbulence and recirculating currents at the base of the dam can push victims underwater and then pull them back to the face of the dam in a repeating cycle that is nearly impossible to escape from even if wearing a life jacket. Always keep a safe distance away from dams both upstream and downstream to avoid drowning," the police warned in a Facebook post.

Several deaths have occurred at the park near dams. The Bloede Dam, built in 1907, was removed last year to prevent additional deaths and improve the river's current. At least nine deaths could be traced to that particular dam, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.