Two Water-Related Deaths In Utah Prompt Safety Reminder For Visitors And Locals

Summer in Utah means flashfloods, swollen rivers and unsuspecting vacationers falling prey to these natural disasters.  

A boy from Arizona died this weekend after falling into the Provo River in Utah county, a Fox 13 news article said. Though several agencies helped to eventually pull the boy out of the river, he later died at the hospital.  

A 19-year-old woman hiker was also found deceased this weekend in Utah county at the bottom of Horsetail Falls. These are just two incidents that have occurred in the state, and these are tragic circumstances.  

Please be aware of your surroundings near water here in Utah. The river currents can be strong and unpredictable and it's easy to get swept away.  

The U.S. Forest Service gives some tips on how locals and vacationers can stay safe around bodies of water.  

First and foremost, check out any signs posted and check the weather before going out. Like I previously mentioned, flashfloods are a common occurrence here and anyone can easily fall prey to them.  

Stay away from them, especially if they have a high level of running water. Enjoy them from a safe distance.  

Keep on the trails that are established and choose overlooks for river watching.  

Cliff diving and jumping off waterfalls comes with a myriad of risks. DON’ T DO IT. When swimming near waterfalls, even places that look calm can be dangerous. The current can pull you in and send you over if you aren’t careful. 

When choosing to hang out near a Utah river, keep a close eye on any changes near the water and be ready to leave at a moment's notice. It may seem like there is minimal risk especially if no rain clouds are nearby.  

Have a safe summer!