Authorities say search for missing kayaker at Little Dell Reservoir is now a recovery operation

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Authorities shifted their efforts from search and rescue to search and rescue hours after a kayaker was reported missing at Little Dell Reservoir east of Salt Lake City.

The individual, whose identity has not been publicly released, was seen falling from the kayak around 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. Search and rescue teams were called to the lake and attempted to locate the person throughout the rest of the day.

Crews located the kayak, but the individual had still not been found as of Wednesday morning.

Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera said weather conditions hampered the search for the missing person.

“The wind has changed the direction of the water significantly since we arrived, which could shift the location of the person if they fell into the water,” she said.

The incident comes during a busy period for local search and rescue teams, with multiple responses so far this season.

As the July 4 holiday approaches, Rivera urges the public to take safety precautions, bring food and water, and use safety gear when participating in outdoor activities, especially given the strain it puts on search and rescue teams.

“We’re wearing them out,” she said. “In the last two days alone, they’ve been absent several times.”

“They’re going to keep coming out,” she added. “We’re going to keep coming out. Our canyon cars are prepared for that. But you have to do your part, too.”