The Old Rockwell Insane Asylum Coal Docks (KPH Dive) is an intriguing dive site with a rich history and unique underwater features. The entry is accessed from the side, with a rocky slope leading to the water. The dock’s ladders are still functional, providing easy access to the dive site.
Divers will find themselves in an area averaging around 25 feet in depth near the dock. Due to constant wave action, artifacts regularly surface, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. The sandy bottom dominates the area, but further out towards the lake, it transitions to clay and silt.
A highlight of the dive is a large intact water pipe that leads to some cribs. However, be prepared for a long swim with not much to see. At the halfway point, a line branches off to a 🛑 sign. This line is used by the scooter crowd to access other dive sites like the PC Barge, the WATERLILY, and a deep hole where the WATERLILY was supposed to be scuttled but missed.
Explorers can expect to encounter various other wreckage, bottles, and clay pipes during their dive. However, caution is necessary as this site was once a hospital, and old sharp objects may be present due to the historical practice of burning waste on the ice before the Clean Water Act.
Despite the cautionary notes, the dive site is home to a diverse range of fish species, including bass, sunfish, carp, sheephead, and even gar pikes. This underwater world offers a unique opportunity to combine history, artifacts, and marine life in a single adventurous dive experience. Always dive responsibly and follow safety guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and safe exploration of the Old Rockwell Insane Asylum Coal Docks (KPH Dive).
