SMART Divers prepares to remove a vehicle from the Blanco River
Click to view slideshow of Blanco River dive
The Blanco River in Wimberley, Texas is beautiful. Usually peaceful and serene, it can be a safe place to wade and swim.
There's another side to this beautiful river and people in a hurry may fall victim to deceptive appearances.
Heavy rainfall often causes flooding of creeks and streams, country roads, and low-lying property. Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. The National Weather Service advises drivers: "Do not attempt to cross water covered areas. A little over a foot of water can carry away most cars and trucks. Turn around, don't drown."
It happens far too often. A driver tempted by a shortcut will attempt to defy the laws of physics and finds himself and his vehicle in the cold, swift-moving river. Some survive and emerge, bruised and wiser; a tragic few do not.
Still, some drivers will have a lapse of good judgment and try it on. They may credit their vehicles with almost supernatural powers...
Hill Country wisdom teaches that you can't believe all you see where the water is concerned. And if you can't see beneath the water, don't cross.
Even in visible riverbeds, algae and slick surfaces can reduce traction dramatically. Your safety depends on simple physics: water force, traction, and sudden upstream surges.
In the 1950s, one flood produced a wall of water over 50 feet high.
Divers with the San Marcos Area Recovery Team (SMART) investigated a submerged 1994 Jeep Cherokee in the Blanco River.
The vehicle was later removed during training operations using lift bags and a recovery wrecker.
"This was the best case scenario," said Lt. Dan Misiaszek. OOur goal was training and environmental protection."