Crowds gathered at Table Rock Dam today to watch the first public run of a newly installed boat lift and slide system. The unusual setup allows vessels to be raised up the side of the dam on a hydraulic elevator before being released into a controlled slide down the spillway.
Witnesses say the spectacle looked more like a theme park ride than an engineering project, with pontoons, speedboats, and even a jet ski splashing into the lake below. Some bystanders cheered and filmed the launch, while others expressed disbelief that the system was safe.
Officials confirmed the installation is still in a trial phase, with additional safety measures expected to be added before it’s fully operational. In the meantime, the sight of boats cresting the top of the dam and hurtling down into the water is already making waves online.