the tallboys are only scouting near the closing dam. you have virtually an unlimited time to aim at a hagfish

I personnaly climbed back up to street level rather than go by the waters. I just blinked on top of those wooden log sticking out of the water and from there up to the streets. Happily, you aren't playing against the clock, so the barrier can very well close and you will be okay ( didn't even try and reach for it before it closes... Is it possible to pass under ? )