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Sarah Dallof reportingWarmer weather brings water warnings this weekend. The warning is timely as families prepare to spend time in Utah's canyons and mountains this weekend.
River levels are expected to increase dramatically and so is the danger. People will be spending time outside, but it's important to remember that as you're picnicking and enjoying walking trails, the water is just feet away.
Kraig Erickson and his dog, Abby, visit Big Cottonwood Creek a couple times a week. By now, the yellow lab is used to the chilly water, but Kraig? He says, "It's not bad, but it would be colder than I would want to get into."
There's a big difference in the water you're used to swimming in and the water in those rivers and streams. Today at the Steiner Aquatic Center, the water was about 80 degrees. At Big Cottonwood Creek it was closer to 40.
Dr. Brian Shiozawa, with St. Mark's Hospital, said, "The temperatures you're experiencing in lakes and streams right now can affect you in minutes." He says his ER will see the most cases of patients injured by the rushing, cold water in the next few weeks; they'll taper off by summer.
People think, ‘There is no way I could drown in Cottonwood Creek,' which is ordinarily not deep. But with these volumes, people can be swept under, they can drown, and they won't survive the exposure," Dr. Shiozawa said.
If they do survive, there's a big risk of hypothermia. "Core body temp is lowered. It can affect extremities. It can affect cardiovascular systems and neurological systems," he explained.
There are other injuries as well, like trauma sustained by falling in the water or hitting debris. Dr. Shiozawa cautions that just because the water looks inviting on a warm weekend doesn't mean it's so.
If someone does end up in the water, Dr. Shiozawa says warm them up, get them in dry clothes, and check them for injuries, including neurological problems. If there's any doubt that they're OK, take them to the hospital.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
