Reach, Throw, Row, and Don’t Go: Officials offer safety tips for recreating when summer storms hit

Aug 16, 2024, 7:28 PM | Updated: 7:32 pm

HIDEOUT, Wasatch County Summer monsoon storms are forecast to hit Utah again this weekend, and parks officials are reminding visitors to be prepared.

Officials said putting on a life jacket when the clouds roll in is the number one way to stay safe on the water. Over the last two weeks, two deaths have been attributed to people getting caught in storms.

‘My dad gave his life for me,’ says son of Layton man who drowned at Willard Bay

“The situation we’ve seen in the last couple of weeks is people that are swimming in the water in their boat because the wind is blowing. It is kind of a sail and starts to blow faster than they can make it back to,” said Chief Law Enforcement Officer with Utah’s Division of Outdoor Recreation, Steve Bullock. “If you’re wearing a lifejacket, you’re going to be okay, right? That’s going to keep you buyout. It’s going to hold you above the water.”

Bullock also had some clever slogans to remind people of key safety tips: Reach, Throw, Row, and Don’t Go.

“If you can reach them with a pole or with a rope or with a stick or something, that’s a great option. Throw again, we’re talking about a throw or a throwback or a life preserver that you can throw to them. And then if you can row to them or boat to them, that’s a better option before you jump in after them,” he said.

People jet skiing on the Jordanelle Reservoir on Aug. 16, 2024.

People jet skiing on the Jordanelle Reservoir on Aug. 16, 2024. (KSL TV)

Moving off the water and into the mountains, outdoor safety still applies there when bad weather hits. Bullock said Utah even has a saying for that.

“Our motto in Utah is ‘To Wear It.’  We want you to wear your life jacket, right? It’s required for anyone 12 or under on a on a lake or reservoir or anyone that’s floating a river. If you’re out on your ATV or your motorcycle this weekend, make sure you’re wearing a helmet,” Bullock said.

He also said checking the weather forecasts becomes critical, as does double-check them while you’re out so that your day of fun doesn’t turn into a day of regret.

Bullock advises not to go into Utah’s slot canyons if there’s forecasted flash flooding.

“Make sure that you’re planning ahead so that our search and rescue crews that are volunteers for all the county sheriff’s offices aren’t the ones coming to find you.”

KSL 5 TV Live

FILE – (Weber Fire District)...

Mariah Maynes

West Haven house fire kills 1 person

One person was killed after a West Haven house fire on Tuesday night.

9 minutes ago

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA Frontrunner train in Layton on F...

Shara Park

New video shows Frontrunner hit SUV stopped on tracks in Layton

A newly released video captured the moment an SUV was hit by a UTA Frontrunner train in Layton on February 4. Fortunately, the driver escaped before the impact.

49 minutes ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

PK: Tom Holmoe Leaves Firm Foundation At BYU Athletics

With the heavy lifting over for BYU – at least for now, anyway – Tom Holmoe can leave knowing his strong leadership has given the athletic department a solid foundation going forward.

1 hour ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Basketball Earns Critical Road Win At West Virginia

BYU gets a road trip split by taking down the Mountaineers in Morgantown.

1 hour ago

The site of the 1956 Cortina Winter Olympic Games’ speed skating venue, Lake Misurina sits at 5,7...

Keira Farrimond and Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

The evolution of speed skating ice: From natural lakes to high-tech oval

How Italy's Lake Misurina, the last natural ice Olympic speed skating venue from 1956 set the stage for record-breaking performances and explore the evolution to modern artificial ice rinks like Utah's Olympic Oval, the 'Fastest Ice on Earth.

1 hour ago

The Weber Basin Water Conservancy District said the trouble with a chlorine smell began two weekend...

Heather Peterson, KSL NewsRadio

Chlorine smell and taste plaguing Weber Basin water users

Days after water officials said the strong chlorine smell and taste should dissipate quickly, residents still report stinky water in Davis and several other counties.

1 hour ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Reach, Throw, Row, and Don’t Go: Officials offer safety tips for recreating when summer storms hit