After recent drownings in Utah parks, official shares safety reminders

SALT LAKE CITY — The number of people drowning in Utah’s lakes and reservoirs is raising concern. So far this year, there have been fatal drownings on at least eight of Utah’s lakes and reservoirs.

According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, drownings take the lives of 31 people in Utah each year.

Utah State Parks Associate Director Devan Chavez said three recent drownings have caught people’s attention, especially two back-to-back deaths at Willard Bay.

“One drowning at a Utah state park hits close to home for sure. And especially when you see two drownings within seven days of each other in Utah. And then when that happens to be at the exact same park, almost eerily similar circumstances,” Chavez said.

What contributes to drownings in Utah?

Chavez said we should be prepared for sudden weather changes.

He said sudden severe storms caused both recent incidents at Willard Bay.

“This is Utah, weather can change at the drop of the hat. It can be 100 degrees one minute and a blowing wind and rain and thunderstorm the next. And then back to over 100 degrees after another hour has passed.”

He said preparation for any trip to the water should begin before you even get in your car with a check of the forecast. He says it’s also a good idea to have weather notifications enabled on your cell phone in case there’s a sudden change.

Chavez said another part of the problem is people not wearing a life jacket.

“Paddleboarders will oftentimes not be wearing the lifejacket. They’ll be strapped to the top. And does that meet the current law? Yeah, you have one onboard your vessel, it does meet the current law. But when you fall off the paddleboard and there’s big waves, or let’s say you hit your head, or arm or something, you’re not going to be able to reach that life jacket.”

What to do if someone needs help

Utah State Parks advises to reach, throw, row and go if you need to rescue someone from the water. 

Chavez said if someone is struggling in the water, try and reach with an arm, leg or even a tree branch, or try and throw them something like a life jacket or rescue ring.

If that isn’t possible, row your watercraft to the person. And if that doesn’t work, go for help.

“We see a lot of people immediately try and jump right in. They have that life-saving mentality and that desire to want to help someone is good. But we have seen a couple of times in the past where this can turn one rescue into two,” Chavez said.

Related:

• Be mindful of these summer water safety tips
• Stay away from fast-moving water this summer
• What to do if someone — even you — falls into a river