Hydrology and Hazards of Blue Hole
The "301 - Ocoee River Hydrology and Hazards" series covers many of the rapids on the Ocoee River. This specific article covers Blue Hole and "Let's Make a Deal." This article and its companion video will explain and describe the entrapment hazards present. The intention of this page is to help other boaters and guides avoid tragedies. While I hope to convey the nature of these hazards, these videos are no substitute for taking the time to inspect them in person at low water.
Video: Blue Hole Hydrology and Hazards
The entrance to Blue Hole is named "Let's Make a Deal." This is the second Class IV rapid you will encounter on the Upper Ocoee. This rapid follows Alien Boof (or Mikey's) after a long pool. Located a short hike upstream from the Ocoee Whitewater Center, Blue Hole is a popular swimming hole for locals. The name derives from the view looking upward while swimming through tunnels in the rocks. I strongly recommend a visit at low water. This spot was named long before folks began rafting the Ocoee River.
Subsurface Hazards Analysis
After you swim and explore the tunnels in the rocks, you will understand the hazards present. Watch the video above about Blue Hole, as it describes and shows the hazards as well as a possible route through the rowdy rapid. This rapid is also a good test for how the run down the Olympic Course is going to go.
Safety Protocol & Closing
While these accidents are tragic, they are avoidable. When paddling Class IV, the best plan is prevention. Weak swimmers or non-swimmers should not paddle Class IV water and above. All crew members should be fit and alert to follow paddle commands and work smoothly together as a team. Class IV whitewater rivers are wild places, not amusement parks. Speaking from personal experience, even strong swimmers are likely to take a beating if they swim Blue Hole.
