Two people and their dog danger (black lab) were fishing near the West side of the Oregon Dam on 03/30/2013 at 10:20AM on the Rock River (in the slack water of dam). Operator’s wife''s line became snagged and Operator tried to free her line. While attempting to free the line the stern of the boat was sucked into the dam. Operator tried to start the boat while the boat began to take on water. Despite multiple attempts the motor did not start. The boat began to sink and Operator’s wife and Operator jumped into the boil of the Dam (without PFDs). Operator surfaced (10-20 seconds) first and managed to swim to a sandbar. Operator’s wife surfaced (45-60 seconds) next and swan towards Operator.  Two people observed the accident launched their canoe and retrieved Operator and Operator’s wife from the turbulent water. Operator and Operator’s wife were transported to KSB Hospital in Dixon IL. Their Boat and Dog have not yet been recovered.
Oregon