Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Tonya Papanikolas reporting We've seen plenty of those fun outdoor adventures turn into search and rescues over the years.
Whether you're planning to head up the canyons for some 4th of July fun, or maybe take the boat out on the water, experts say we need to be aware that circumstances can change in an instant.
We need to be prepared.
You never know when a fun day outdoors is going to turn dangerous. Just ask Chad Hardy. He got stranded in the middle of Utah Lake after his jet ski broke down.
Chad Hardy, Stranded on Utah Lake: "About 8:00, 8:30, the winds started picking up and the waves started coming."
Chad and his sister wanted to avoid hypothermia, so they swam until they reached shore.
Chad Hardy, Stranded on Utah Lake: "People are telling us now we swam close to six miles."
Chad says he's thankful both of them were wearing life jackets.
Chad Hardy: "Without those life vests, there's no way we would have been able to stay in the water that long."
This holiday weekend, many people will be out enjoying nature. Outdoor educators say no matter what your activity, you should prepare for the worst.
Mike Packard, REI Manager & Outdoor Education Instructor: "I always go prepared for an unexpected night out."
REI Manager Mike Packard advises people to plan ahead by investigating the terrain they'll cover with maps and guidebooks. And don't forget a first aid kit.
Mike Packard, REI Manager & Outdoor Education Instructor: Typically they're going to have materials for dealing with blisters and cuts and scrapes."
Drink at least two quarts of water while you're out in the sun.
Packard says your clothing can become your shelter in an emergency. So consider what you'll need for possible weather changes.
Mike Packard: "Even when it's 100 degrees in the valley here, it can be 50 degrees in the mountains and far more likely to rain."
State parks officials add people need to avoid alcohol if they are driving any kind of watercraft. And if you do get stranded, have a cell phone on hand and know exactly where you are.
Christopher Quick, Utah Div. of State Parks: "We get a lot of calls that people need help on the lake, but they don't really know where they are."
This weekend, we have possible thunderstorms and lightning in the forecast... so if you hear thunder, you want to get off high peaks and ridges and go to a lower elevation.
