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WILLARD BAY — Rescue crews pulled a 71-year-old man and 17-year-old boy from the waters of Willard Bay Wednesday night around 6:30 p.m., according to Lt. Eric Stuki of Utah State Parks.
The Davis County grandfather and his grandson were fishing in a boat when inclement weather and wind picked up, knocking them into the water. The two men were about two miles from the shore between both the North and South marinas, according to authorities.
“They were able to get to one life jacket and share that amongst them and they were able to use their phone to call 911. Box Elder County Sheriffs office and Utah State Parks were able to respond and get these people to safety,” Stuki said.
Lt. Stuki noted that the 17-year-old boy had a waterproof cellphone case on him at the time, allowing him to make the phone call.
“Luckily the winds were able to calm down and the rescuers were able to go out in weather as bad as when the vessel capsized,” Stuki said.
The rescuers cleared the scene around 7:30 p.m. after everything was wrapped up, according to authorities.
The small boat was able to be recovered.
The 71-year-old was transferred to McKay-Dee hospital by air and the 17-year-old was transferred by ground, Stuki said.
Lieutenant Stuki reminded boaters to be aware of their surroundings as boaters embark upon the waters this season, and that life jackets do save lives — so please wear them.
"You never know when you might end up in the water. Cold water shock causes immediate loss of breathing control," said Boating Program Manager Ty Hunter.
Hunter recommends following these safety tips if you find yourself in the cold water:
- Always wear your life jacket
- Stay calm and don't panic
- Get your breathing under control - cold water will be a shock
- Make meaningful movement - try to get back in the boat or to shore
- Have a ladder or a method to re-board your boat
- Keep a cell phone in a waterproof container
