What are some of the dangers of man-made lakes?
Apart from rarely having lifeguards on duty, many man-made lakes have steep drop-offs without posted warnings or rope barriers. Even the most skillful swimmers can become surprised and disoriented by a sudden drop-off. After suddenly and unexpectedly failing to reach the bottom, the swimmer may reflexively panic and drown within seconds. While many jurisdictions regulate such hazards, enforcement is often nonexistent or inadequate at best.