Meramec Might Have Claimed Another Life

[moguy1973]

It's sad too...They are still searching but it looks to be grim. Near Pacific Palisades, 12 year old kid went to swim across the river to a rope swing on the other side, friend and family lost contact and haven't seen him since...The real sad part is there was alcohol involved. Who lets their 12 year old drink a beer? Makes no sense whatsoever...

When are people going to learn its not a good idea to swim in the lower Meramec?

[ColdWaterFshr]

I don't think there is anything particularly unsafe about the lower Meramec, especially considering these low water levels. Still, there should be adult supervision for swimming in any river. Heck, adults shouldn't swim alone.

But like you say, what I can't understand is the giving the kid beer. If that turns out to be true, those people should be charged. Makes me angry.

[Al Agnew]

Yeah, the Meramec has always had the reputation of being a treacherous river, but it's no more dangerous than any of the larger Ozark streams. In fact, I'd say that based upon strong currents and sheer volume, the Current below Big Spring should be a lot more dangerous than the Meramec. Problem is that the lower Meramec is in the backyard of the state's largest population center, so it gets a LOT of use, including a lot of people that are not experienced around river currents. The more people using it, the more people are going to be getting in trouble on it.

[moguy1973]

Looks like they found the boy's body near Allenton access. That's quite a ways from where he was last seen. Such a shame.

[Gavin]

Sad story...it appeared to be a drowning from the get go....Sis turned around, boy gone....drowning is silent...you dont hear a thing...no splashing...no yelling...just silence and loss.