WEBER COUNTY, Utah, June 16,2022 (Gephardt Daily) — A likely tragedy was averted Wednesday night when members of the Weber County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol rescued a distressed paddleboarder at Pineview Reservoir.
According to a statement posted on the WCSO’s social media pages, deputies were called to the North Arm Trailhead area about 10 p.m. with reports of a possible drowning.
When deputies arrived a “complainant reported he had lost sight of his friend and believed she had fallen off her paddleboard.”
The Marine Patrol arrived and began to search the area. They were able to “locate the female barely hanging on to the paddleboard,” the WCSO statement said. Deputies then pulled her into the boat and “quickly got her to shore where she was treated for mild hypothermia.”
The sheriff’s office statement said the outcome of Wednesday night’s rescue effort could have been much worse.
“A storm had moved into the area with strong winds which pushing the female away from shore,” the statement said. “The female was not dressed for the weather and did not come prepared with a life jacket.
“When recreating around Pineview we recommend to come prepared. Check the weather conditions as it could change quickly. Dress appropriately for the activity,” the WCSO advised.
“Utah law states everyone must have a life jacket on their paddleboards in case of emergencies. Children 13 and younger must wear a life jacket at all times while on a paddleboard,” the WCSO statement said. “These simple rules could save your life.”
This was the second rescue reported on Pineview this week due to changing weather conditions and no life jackets, according to the sheriff’s office.
