Some people really underestimate the perils of fast-moving water. I wonder what the river conditions were at the point they chose to swim.
That area is effectively a small lake. South of the dam is more “river like” and then becomes more like a lake as the river heads the next dam down river.
My guess, alcohol and swimming don’t mix. Sad indeed.
You don’t swim in rivers here. There are too many alligators, big snapping turtles, and water moccasins that will get you.
Every year some inner city church group brings kids to the Meramec to “wade”. Often, tragedy ensues.