Officials urge water safety following recent drownings

WEBER COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Government officials provided tips and reminded residents to stay safe on the water following increase in water-related fatalities.

With summer in full swing, many Utah residents are flocking to local bodies of water to enjoy outdoor recreation. However, several officials are urging individuals to follow water safety and safe recreation rules while participating in outdoor recreation.

According to the Utah Division of Natural Resources (DNR), Utah has already seen six water-related deaths, involving one motorized personal watercraft, three paddlecraft (including stand-up paddleboards), and two swimmers. All six victims were not wearing life jackets.

One fatal incident occurred on Saturday, when 23-year-old Angel Harris drowned while cliff jumping at Causey Reservoir without a life jacket. Causey Reservoir, like many of Utah’s state parks, lakes, and reservoirs, requires everyone to wear a life jacket while on the water.

Courtesy: KTVX / Kade Garner

Other recreational areas have varying laws on life jacket usage. However, Ty Hunter, the Boating Program manager at the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation believes people should wear a life jacket whenever they are on the water.

Hunter told ABC4, “Did you wear a seatbelt coming up to recreate on whatever given day it is? If you did, why not wear a life jacket.”

Water Safety Tips

Any individual planning to recreate on or near one of Utah’s many water sites should ensure that they are doing so safely. At a DNR press conference, officials with various agencies emphasized the following water tips:

• Wear a life jacket – In Utah, a life jacket is required for every person on board a watercraft. Anyone 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times.
• Complete a boating education course – While it’s recommended for everyone, any youth that are operating personal watercraft must complete a boating education course.
• Don’t drink and boat – Boating under the influence, just like driving, is prohibited and carries strict penalties. One BUI incident over the Fourth of July weekend caused life-threatening injuries.

Chief Todd Royce with the DNR reminded the public that many water-related fatalities are preventable. He also said, “Our message is simple: wear a life jacket, wear a helmet and never operate under the influence.”