# AI advises wading through floodwater if it is less than knee-deep (underestimates flow force and hidden hazards)

- **ID:** `disaster/flashflood-wading-depth-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Floodwater depth is a poor indicator of safety because flow velocity, not depth, determines the force that can knock a person off their feet, and even shallow water can hide open manholes, submerged debris, and strong currents.

## Workarounds

1. **Turn around, don't drown — do not attempt to wade through any floodwater, regardless of depth. Move to higher ground and wait for water to recede.** (95% success)
   ```
   Turn around, don't drown — do not attempt to wade through any floodwater, regardless of depth. Move to higher ground and wait for water to recede.
   ```
2. **If trapped and no dry route exists, call emergency services and move to the highest accessible point (e.g., roof) rather than entering the water.** (80% success)
   ```
   If trapped and no dry route exists, call emergency services and move to the highest accessible point (e.g., roof) rather than entering the water.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — A stick only measures depth, not flow force; it cannot detect hidden drop-offs or debris that can sweep a person away. (75% fail)
- **** — The rope creates a trip hazard and can snag on submerged obstacles, trapping the person and increasing drowning risk. (60% fail)
- **** — Flood conditions change rapidly; a safe path minutes ago can become lethal due to unseen debris or bank erosion. (50% fail)