Scout Leader Drowns After Saving Scout in Salem Pond

SALEM, Utah – A scout leader drowned Wednesday after attempting to help a scout in Salem Pond.

Salem Police Chief Brad James said a scout troop had been practicing swimming technique at the pond, when the scout began to struggle in the water.

“He pushed the scout back to safety, went under the water and did not resurface,” James said.

James said the 25-year-old man was underwater for 50 minutes before rescuers were able to locate him 12-feet beneath the murky surface.

First-responders attempted to resuscitate the man, but James said he was ultimately pronounced dead at Mountain View Hospital.

James said the scout troop was comprised of three leaders and three scouts, ages 10 to 11.

Police declined to say where the troop was from in Utah County as they attempted to notify family.

“It’s unfortunate—it really is,” James said. “Obviously the leaders are shook up, the scouts are shook up, and we may not know for sure why he went under.”

James said investigators were looking into whether exertion was a possible factor in what happened to the scout leader.

“The good news is he saved the scout,” James said.

James recommended all people have emergency plans in place around bodies of water, and to have flotation devices with them.

“Always think of safety first,” James said. “(Bring) anything that you can use to save someone’s life in the event something happens like this tonight.”