Man critical after Llano dam jump; officials warn about unseen hazards
The Llano dam is easily accessible from Badu Park in Llano, but getting on it is prohibited due to safety concerns. A man reportedly dove from the dam on Sunday, June 8, and struck his head on a rock. He had to be airlifted for treatment and is in critical condition. File photo
A man is reportedly in critical condition after jumping from the Llano city dam Sunday, June 8. The incident highlights the risks associated with summer fun at popular swimming destinations across the Highland Lakes.
According to the Llano Police Department, a man dove from the dam into the Llano River on Sunday afternoon and did not immediately resurface. Bystanders reportedly pulled the diver from the water, and first responders retrieved him for medical transport. The man apparently struck his head against a rock, suffering a severe head injury, and was taken to Llano Regional Hospital before being transported by helicopter to another medical facility.
As of Monday afternoon, law enforcement does not have an official update on the diver’s condition.
According to Facebook user Barbara Zapata, the diver is her brother, Steven Benson of Brownwood. A Go Fund Me account was established to raise money for medical expenses. He is reportedly scheduled for major surgery on Wednesday.
Walking on and diving from the dam is prohibited by Llano city ordinances, and law enforcement highlighted the importance of those rules following the incident.
“While our prayers are certainly with all involved, and especially with the victim and his recovery, we must also point out that the dam is not a place to jump or dive from. As evidenced by today’s events, the water is shallow and what is below the surface cannot be seen,” reads a June 8 media release issued by the Llano Police Department.
LPD’s stance is backed up by other agencies, including the Lower Colorado River Authority, which warns of unseen dangers in area lakes.
“Lakes aren’t swimming pools,” reads an LCRA safety guide. “The bottom of a lake is uneven and sudden drop-offs are common.”
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department also cautions swimmers about submerged hazards.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” reads an excerpt from the TPWD’s water recreation safety guidelines. “Lakes, rivers and streams are natural environments. Watch for sudden drop-offs, changing bottoms and unseen limbs, rocks, and other objects.”
Notably, the TPWD oversees Devil’s Waterhole at Inks Lake State Park, a popular rock-jumping location in Central Texas. Diving and jumping are allowed at the swimming hole, but caution is recommended.
The Marble Falls Police Department also warns against diving or jumping from structures into Lake Marble Falls.
“What may appear to be deep may not be deep at all,” MFPD Capt. Jimmy Cole told DailyTrib.com. “If you’re injured, it’s going to be hard to get you out.”
Cole noted that people have tried to jump from the U.S. 281 bridge into the lake, which is against city ordinances. They have also trespassed on Marble Falls Economic Development Corp. property near River City Grille to jump into the water.
A primary concern for Cole is how challenging it is to rescue someone from the lake, especially if they are unconscious in the murky water.
“Nobody has been injured (diving from the EDC property), but if somebody is injured, (first responders) are going to have a heck of a time trying to conduct a rescue.”