LOCAL NEWS

Search and rescue teams warn Utahns about dangers of playing in floodwater

Mar 16, 2023, 10:32 PM | Updated: Apr 17, 2023, 4:18 pm

UTAH COUNTY, Utah — With this year’s runoff expected to be higher than Utahns have seen in the last few years, search and rescue teams are getting ready for water rescues.

“We’re already thinking about it,” Steve Gorrell, a member of the Utah County Sheriff’s Office search and rescue team said. “We have some members of our team who work with the state on water, and they know what the snowpack is like and they know what the predictions are. We’re preparing for a big runoff this year.”

Rushing floodwaters after recent rains have closed roads in Southern Utah.

Some people living there have posted videos of people recreating in the floodwater, but search and rescue teams say this behavior comes at a risk.

“Most people think, “If I don’t see the thunderstorm right around me, I’m not going to be in danger of flash flooding, but flash flooding takes place from the thunderstorm that happened miles away and then it comes down that slot canyon or fills up something much quicker than they were expecting,” Gorrell said.

Gorrell said playing in rush floodwaters isn’t like swimming in open water.

“People think they’re strong enough or big enough, but very fast water…if you think of logs coming down or sticks or debris, that hits you and knocks you over and that’s very hard to get out from,” he said.

He knows firsthand how difficult the rescues can be.

“You need to start looking for an exit route,” Gorrell said. “As you’re hiking down somewhere or going through a canyon, you should be aware of where some places you might be able to get to high ground or get to an exit.”

He said these waters can outpace anyone.

“If it’s flowing fast enough, it could sweep you right off your feet,” Gorrell said.

He advises people to be aware of the forecast and stay away from areas where there’s a chance for flash flooding.

“If there’s a chance, you don’t want to be caught up in the chance,” he said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

FILE — Salt Lake City Council member Amy Fowler discusses the opening of a new temporary, emerge...

Larry D. Curtis

Salt Lake councilwoman announces resignation after DUI

After an arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, a member of the Salt Lake City Council announced she is stepping down.

18 hours ago

A Granite School District sign is pictured at the district's offices in South Salt Lake on Monday, ...

Larry D. Curtis

Granite School District to offer summer lunches for children

Children 18 and under will have free summer lunches provided at Granite School District locations.

18 hours ago

FILE PHOTO: Utah Highway Patrol...

Michael Houck

UHP reports decrease in fatalities, increase in DUIs over Memorial Day weekend

Utah Highway Patrol reports that they performed more traffic stops this year compared to 2022 during Memorial Day weekend.

18 hours ago

FILE — Handcuffs in a jail cell. FILE PHOTO (Ravell Call/Deseret News)...

Michael Houck

Police: Two men arrested for stealing from multiple Cedar City storage units

Two men are accused of breaking in into multiple storage units from April to May, with one suspect stealing from the other.

18 hours ago

Former Park City High School girls tennis coach Lani Wilcox was legally justified in defending hers...

Pat Reavy

Park City tennis coach justified in defending herself against student, judge rules

Charges against the former head coach for the women's tennis team at Park City High School, who was accused of attacking a student during a heated argument, have been dismissed.

18 hours ago

FILE: Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah (Photo by Jacquelyn Martin - Pool/Getty Images)...

Associated Press and Simone Seikaly, KSL NewsRadio

Source: Utah’s Rep. Chris Stewart will resign

KSL NewsRadio has learned that Republican Congressman Chris Stewart is planning to announce his resignation.

18 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Brunette guy in headphones playing games on his desktop computer...

PC Laptops

Looking For a New Computer? Use This Desktop Buying Guide

Choosing a new desktop computer can come with a lot of questions, so we created this desktop buying guide.

Portrait of happy boy playing and splashing water in the swimming pool...

Get Out Pass

Family Fun Activities in Utah You Have to Try This Summer

These family fun activities will entertain you all summer, so if you ever feel stuck in a rut wondering what to do, refer to this guide!

Woman IT specialist in elegant suit working on notebook computer in data center next to server rack...

Les Olson

Your Complete Guide to Outsourcing IT Services

This guide covers everything you need to know about the different benefits of outsourcing IT services to meet your small business needs.

diverse group of friends dance outside under string lights...

Lighting Design

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Lighting

Read for the most frequently asked questions about outdoor lighting to help narrow the search for your home.

Stack of old laptops with dark background...

PC Laptops

Old Laptop Upgrades You Need to Try Before Throwing it Away

Get the most out of your investment. Try these old laptop upgrades before throwing it out to keep it running fast and efficient.

Happy diverse college or university students are having fun on their graduation day...

BYU MBA at the Marriott School of Business

How to Choose What MBA Program is Right for You: Take this Quiz Before You Apply!

Wondering what MBA program is right for you? Take this quiz before you apply to see if it will help you meet your goals.

Search and rescue teams warn Utahns about dangers of playing in floodwater