PROVO, Utah, June 11, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — First responders in Utah County took part in a dramatic rescue Tuesday when a 13-year-old special needs child was swept downstream in the Provo River.
It was just after 4:00 p.m. when Provo police and firefighters responded to the call, the very same day four different agencies issued an advisory for people to steer clear of Utah’s fast moving rivers and streams.
“While police and fire were readying their rescue, a bystander entered the river and held onto the boy until fire personnel could pull them out with rescue ropes,” according to a Provo Police Department press release.
The boy was checked by medics and then released to his caregivers and family, police said.
Although they were grateful for the help, police offered a word of caution about the bystander’s life saving efforts.
“While we commend the passer-by for assisting in the rescue, we want to stress that conditions are very dangerous right now and we do not recommend anyone entering the water without safety equipment.”
With that being said, police and firefighters expressed their gratitude that things worked out the way they did.
“We are grateful for a successful outcome for both parties,” the police statement said.
Tuesday’s rescue was especially poignant in the aftermath of two drownings last weekend, which prompted first responders from Provo Police and Fire, Orem Public Safety, and the Utah County Sheriff’s Office to issue the following river safety advisory to the general public.
“Rivers and creeks in the area are channeling snowmelt from the surrounding mountains, which increases the volume and speed of most waterways throughout the county,” the advisory said.
“Of particular concern is the Provo River, which is currently running ten times faster than usual levels. Its volume is expected to peak within the next two weeks.
“We strongly urge the public to use extreme caution around the river over the next month, and to follow these safety practices:”
• Stay at least 40 feet away from riverbanks.
• Wear life jackets when recreating on or near the river. (A requirement within unincorporated areas of Utah County.)
• Obey any closures or advisories posted at trails and parks.
• Know where your children are roaming during summer break.
• Talk with your children about water dangers, and staying 40 feet away from rivers.
• Keep pets on a leash.
• Avoid recreating along the Provo River until later in the summer.
• If you do recreate near a waterway, don’t go alone.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of those who lost their lives this past weekend. We ask our community to do all they can to ensure no more lives are lost to water recreation incidents this summer.”
