15 swimmers, Jet Ski riders, boaters rescued from Sand Hollow Reservoir during windstorm

ST. GEORGE — Fifteen people were rescued from the chilly waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir on Sunday evening when a windstorm suddenly hit the area.

Shortly before 7 p.m., park rangers responded to the first call that a boat carrying seven individuals, including several minors, was sinking below the surface of the Reservoir, Utah State Park Lt. Regan Wilson told St. George News on Monday.

Shortly after the sudden windstorm hit, Wilson said, the water became rough and choppy. The boat reportedly started to take on water and within minutes, he said, the bilge pump designed to remove excess water from the boat became overwhelmed and stopped working. This caused the vessel to fill with water as it sank below the surface.

Multiple agencies responded and the boaters were pulled from the turbulent waters while a Washington County Search and Rescue dive team assist in the recovery of the submerged boat. As it was pulled to shore, Wilson said, the water was removed from the vessel, which sustained extensive damage from being submerged and was a total loss.

At the same time emergency personnel were handling the rescue of the seven boaters, the park received a second report involving three stranded Jet Ski users unable to navigate to safety through the gusty winds and rough waters.

That call was followed by a report of three swimmers unable to navigate the strong currents and heavy winds. The trio was rescued near the shore of the dive park.

Wilson said five of the seven boaters were wearing life vests at the time they were rescued, and all three Jet Ski riders were equipped with safety vests at the time. Various rescues underscore the importance of wearing personal flotation devices, especially when water is cold and choppy from heavy winds that hit unexpectedly. This is far better than "trying to find your life vest after things have taken a turn for the worst and it's too late," he added.

Wilson said boaters should make sure there are enough life vests for everyone on the boat, as these safety devices will help keep boaters warm and afloat if a water vessel capsizes or sinks. Windy conditions can present a hazard, as was the case Sunday evening, and he recommended visitors check for weather alerts and keep informed of weather and water conditions prior to visiting the park.

Storms can come on quickly in Southern Utah and often catch those recreating off guard, Wilson said. When there are clouds or any other indications that a storm may be nearing, the safest thing to do is to head to shore.

The actual number of visitors rescued may have been higher since these were the ones that were reported to park officials, he added. The investigation into the boating incident is still ongoing. No injuries were reported.

The rescues involved a joint effort between Utah State Parks, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Washington County Search and Rescue and Hurricane Valley Fire District.

Cody Blowers was raised in South San Francisco, California. A 2013 graduate of Colorado Technical University, Cody earned her bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in paralegal studies. Through the course of her academic studies she discovered that writing is her true passion, and she is committed to providing credible, integrated news coverage. Cody joined St. George News in 2015, and when she's not busy chasing the news, she can generally be found chasing her young granddaughter, Kali.

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