Instead of just taking down the rope, the Caplinger Mills Historical Bridge Preservation society voted to cut down the trees from which it hung, because they say it's simply the wrong place for a swing.

The historic bridge and dam at Caplinger Mills make a great spot for fishing but, right now, the spot isn't ideal for canoeing or swimming. It was two weeks ago, when the water was close to eight feet, that Corbin drowned after going over the dam.

"We didn't put it up. We never promoted anybody using it, but every time we did anything about it, the kids would just have it back up the next day," said Ron Masters.

Masters owns Riverside Bait and Canoe Rental in Caplinger Mills and is also on the Historical Bridge Preservation Society. He's seen people use the rope swing just above the dam time and time again, and swim back to shore safely.

"If they do that right away after they hit the water, turn around and swim in, they were usually fine," Masters said.

But, this time, for whatever reason, Corbin didn't make it back to shore, and the strong current took him over the low-head dam.

"The hydraulics, when you are swept over the dam, the current makes a circular motion, which makes it very difficult and, in some cases, impossible to swim out of," said Cpl. Jay Riley of the Missouri State Water Patrol.

Folks familiar with Caplinger Mills know the danger of the dam, and say they see objects trapped by the water below the dam for days at a time.

"If you get trapped in it, it's got you," Masters said.

Now, there are only stumps where the maple and willow trees that the rope swing was attached to once stood. They were cut down a few days ago because the seven-member board voted the spot is just too dangerous for a rope swing.

"It's just too close to the dam. They can put it up river or down river, and I don't think there'd be a thing said about it, but it was just too close," said Masters.

The Missouri State Water Patrol says folks should take water flowing over a dam, or any fast moving water very seriously.

"Wear a personal flotation device, or probably the best advice is to avoid fast-moving water all together," said Riley.

The Water Patrol says there have been 21 drownings already this year, with at least seven of those contributed to strong currents. The number of drownings is almost half that of all of 2007, while the summer recreation season has just begun. The Water Parol warns currents could be strong for some time, with reservoirs trying to get rid of all the excess water.

Masters says he does not rent canoes while the water is high, so that part of his business has done very poorly this year, but he says the Corp of Engineers plans to close the flood gates at Stockton Dam for July 4, 5 and 6 so folks can safely enjoy the Sac River.