Authorities urge caution near fast-moving bodies of water

SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities are warning Utahns to be extra careful in rushing water after two people died in just 24 hours.

Steve Bullock, chief law enforcement officer for the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation, told the Utah Morning News that water is not the only danger for those who fall in it.

“As you travel over these creeks and waterways, you're going to hit rocks. You’re going to hit trees and snags,” Bullock said. “There will be undercurrents and eddies that really pull you in.” You're going to have a hard time controlling it.

A single cubic foot of water is equivalent to 62 pounds or seven gallons. The Provo River flows at a rate of 1,500 cubic feet per second, which would overpower anyone who fell into it.

If someone falls into white water…

Authorities said you should never chase someone who falls.

If you fall, try to grab a branch or tree to hold yourself in place.

Although the water is currently high and dangerous, authorities warn that it does not have to be a lot of water to be dangerous. Small streams can easily knock over someone, especially a child or pet. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock over an adult.

“Usually what happens is we see one person get swept into the water and then other people get in.” And we have already witnessed some of these tragic accidents in the past, in which not only the original victim, but also the rescuer, or both, drowned or drowned. killed,” Bullock said.

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