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MURRAY -- High water levels are a big threat right now. The waterways are moving deceivingly fast; some currents are moving as fast as 45 miles an hour.
The creek in Murray Park is no match for even the strongest of swimmers. Water rescue training on Tuesday, involving agencies from across the Salt Lake Valley, showed just how dangerously high and fast the waterways are right now.
Jonathan Jastram, with the Murray Fire Department, said, "We expect this year to be worse than other years, and probably the worst year in a long time for us."
We attached a camera to a firefighter's helmet. The video shows how overwhelming the water can be if you get caught in it.
It can also be challenging for someone trained to make a rescue.
Capt. Jay Torgersen said, "If you fall in the water, it's extremely cold. It's moving really quickly, and getting out might be very difficult."
Though the conditions are dangerous, it is thrilling for some. Kayakers are making the most of it.
Kayaker Evan Howard said, "It's like really, really good 'cause the water is really fast and it's really turbulent."
Howard's friends took video as they went down a stretch of the Ogden River. The water there is at 1,530 cubic feet per second.
"This area hasn't seen that kind of water in 15 or 20 years," Howard said.
Even the most experienced kayakers can get into trouble, though. Howard says, on the same river, a friend had to swim out of his boat and that swimming to shore was a struggle.
"All he was able to do was grab a tree and hold on and wiggle himself out of the river," Howard said. "He lost all of his gear."
Rescuers say, if you fall in, keep your feet up, work your way to the side and try to grab on to something. If you see someone else fall in, don't go after them. The safest thing to do is throw something for them hang on to and call 911.
E-mail: syi@ksl.com
