Rescuers share tips on how to stay safe around swift water


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SALT LAKE CITY — They hope it never happens, but if you or a loved one ever gets swept away in fast-moving water, firefighters will be trained to rescue you. Five teams of Unified Authority firefighters spent Monday training for what could be a dangerous year.

Already this spring, at least three Utahns have been caught in swift water, and the danger season is just beginning.

"This year may be more dangerous than in years past," said Capt. Jay Torgersen with Unified Fire Authority.

Rescuers say the best thing you can do is stay out.

"The water may look calm but it can be deceptive, so please stay away," said Torgersen.

Snow is one of rescuers' biggest concerns. Utah has had a lot of it this year, and it's still coming down. And all the snow turns into a whole lot of water downstream.

"The rapids in conjunction with the ice cold and elevating water levels, or more snow melting, equals a lot of danger for us," said Eric Holmes with Unified Fire. "If somebody thinks they can walk across this normally, or without a lot of trouble, I think they're fooling themselves."

Holmes also said even if you can see the bottom of the creek or river, it doesn't mean it's safe to cross. He once witnessed a man drown in less than two feet of water.

"In a lot of places you can still see rocks below and a lot of people think it's safe to walk across," Holmes said. "Nothing could be further from the truth."

On top of that, the water is extremely cold and Holmes says our bodies can't function very well in it. Firefighters say their best advice is to not get in the water at all.

What if you see someone get swept away, even if that someone is a pet? Rescuers say let them handle it, no matter how difficult it may be not to jump in after them.

"If somebody goes in the water, the best thing you can do is call 911 as soon as possible," Torgersen said.

If you do get caught in swift water, put your feet downstream and your bottom as high in the water as possible to prevent you from hitting anything, as it may be the difference between your life and death.

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