Logue Brook Dam – Fatal Tubing Incident Facts and Safety

A man in his 30s died at Logue Brook Dam on November 23, 2024, after falling from an inflatable tube being towed behind a boat. The incident triggered a large-scale search operation involving the RAC Rescue helicopter and specialist police divers, concluding when his body was recovered from the water the following afternoon.

Also known as Lake Brockman, the dam sits within the Shire of Chittering near Hoffman and Yarloop, approximately 125 kilometres south of Perth. Constructed between 1960 and 1963 as part of the South-West Irrigation Scheme, the site has evolved into a popular destination for water skiing, fishing, and scuba diving, though its depths reach 42 metres when full.

The November drowning marks the second fatal incident at the location in four years, raising questions about safety protocols for towed water sports in Western Australia’s protected inland waters.

What Happened at Logue Brook Dam?

The man was tubing on a sea biscuit—a circular inflatable device—behind a vessel on Saturday afternoon when he fell into the water near Yarloop and failed to resurface. Other boaters were cleared from the water around 5:00 pm as emergency services initiated search efforts.

Police suspended the operation overnight due to poor visibility, resuming Sunday morning with the specialist dive squad and Department of Transport vessels. 7News reported that the body was located Sunday afternoon, with family notified and a report prepared for the coroner. Authorities do not treat the death as suspicious.

• Towing activity involved: The victim was using a sea biscuit, a high-speed inflatable tube requiring specific safety precautions.
• Immediate response: RAC Rescue helicopter and water police responded within hours of the incident.
• Recovery operation: Specialist divers conducted the retrieval after overnight suspension of surface searches.
• Coronial investigation: Standard protocol applies with a full report being prepared despite no suspicious circumstances.
• Previous fatality: A 19-year-old man died at the same location on December 20, 2020.
• General safety rules apply: No specific DFES warning was issued for November 2024, though protected waters regulations remain in effect.

Where Is Logue Brook Dam and How to Access It?

Logue Brook Dam lies within the Darling Scarp, straddling the boundary of Chittering Shire near the townships of Hoffman and Yarloop. Visitors reach the site via Logue Brook Dam Road, approximately a two-hour drive (125 kilometres) south of Perth through Cookernup or Yarloop.

The impoundment serves as a year-round recreation hub. Tourism operators note the area supports mountain biking, bushwalking, and birdwatching in surrounding forest reserves. The site maintains a youth camp and dedicated areas for water sports, though amenities vary by water level.

Is Logue Brook Dam Safe for Swimming or Fishing?

The Department of Transport classifies Logue Brook Dam as protected waters, requiring specific safety equipment for all vessels. Life jackets are mandatory for children aged 1 to 12 on most boats, with Level 50S or 100 PFDs required. Distress beacons and flares are recommended though not universally compulsory.

Water Skiing Restrictions

Skiing operations depend on water levels measured against Australian Height Datum (AHD). Level 1 skiing requires water at or above 216m AHD, Level 2 requires 221m AHD, and Level 3 requires 226m AHD. Yellow buoys mark designated ski zones, with a 5-knot speed limit enforced outside these areas. Official maritime guidelines advise checking transport.wa.gov.au/waterski for current closures.

Fishing and marroning are permitted in season, with the dam stocked for recreational angling. Swimming is allowed in designated areas, though the 2020 and 2024 fatalities underscore risks associated with deep, cold water and high-speed water sports.

Key Facts About Logue Brook Dam

The dam wall stands 50 metres high as an earth-fill structure incorporating sand filters and a spillway system. Wikipedia records indicate the reservoir reaches depths of 42 metres when at capacity, conditions typically occurring during winter months. This depth makes the location suitable for deep-dive training, attracting technical scuba divers from across the state.

Originally built to support the South-West Irrigation Scheme, the infrastructure ended water rationing in Harvey by 1963/64. Heritage documentation recognises the site for its social and recreational value within a natural forest setting, listing the dam as a significant community asset beyond its agricultural origins.

Timeline of Logue Brook Dam Incidents and History

1. 1960–1963: Construction completed for South-West Irrigation Scheme.
2. 1963/64: Irrigation operations begin, ending water restrictions in Harvey.
3. November 2007: Site briefly closed to recreation for potential drinking water conversion.
4. December 2008: Drinking water proposal reversed; recreation resumes.
5. December 20, 2020: 19-year-old man found unresponsive at 5:20 am near Harvey; declared deceased after resuscitation attempts fail. Source
6. November 23, 2024: Man in his 30s falls from sea biscuit and drowns during afternoon boating activities.
7. November 24, 2024: Police specialist divers recover body; investigation transferred to coroner.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?

Context and Background

Logue Brook Dam represents a significant engineering project of the early 1960s, transforming agricultural capacity in the South-West region before transitioning to recreational use. The site’s evolution from strict irrigation infrastructure to a multi-use destination reflects broader changes in Western Australian water management and regional tourism development.

The dam’s classification as protected waters rather than open ocean or unregulated waterways places specific obligations on users, though enforcement relies heavily on self-regulation and peer observation. Saving Private Ryan true story investigations demonstrate how historical sites often carry hidden risks despite their popularity, a pattern mirrored at Logue Brook where recreational enthusiasm occasionally outpaces safety preparation.

Marroning—the catching of freshwater crayfish—adds seasonal complexity to water safety, as participants wade into shallow zones during autumn months. The convergence of skiing, diving, fishing, and swimming activities within a confined water body creates inherent conflict points requiring constant vigilance.

Official Statements and Sources

Western Australia Police confirmed the recovery operation through official channels, noting the deployment of specialist divers and Department of Transport vessels. Family members were notified prior to public confirmation of the death.

“The man fell into the water while tubing on a sea biscuit behind a boat on Saturday afternoon… Search efforts began immediately with police, RAC Rescue helicopter, and other boaters cleared from the water around 5pm.”

— PerthNow, November 24, 2024

“The body was recovered Sunday afternoon; family notified, incident under police investigation with a report for the coroner; not treated as suspicious.”

— 7News Australia

Summary

The November 2024 drowning at Logue Brook Dam highlights ongoing safety challenges at inland water recreation sites. While the dam offers significant value for irrigation history, diving training, and regional tourism, the two fatal incidents since 2020 serve as stark reminders of the risks inherent in high-speed water sports and deep-water activities. Visitors should consult current safety advisories, ensure proper flotation devices are worn, and verify water levels before launching vessels. My Octopus Teacher true story narratives often explore human interaction with marine environments, yet the reality of freshwater dam safety requires equal attention to equipment and environmental conditions.

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