SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — Several children and adults were rescued from the Jordan River on Tuesday after their canoes capsized during a summer camp program.
Police say a total of 10 children and four adults were on four canoes in the South Salt Lake area of the river. In that group, two canoes capsized, sending two adults and seven children into the water.
“Potentially tragic situation. Couldn’t have ended better with all the kids being pulled from the water,” said Chief Jack Carruth with the South Salt Lake City Police Department.
After being notified, police used a drone to locate the group and were able to locate everyone.
“The counselor and the youth were able to swim to the shore, get to the side of the shore, grab onto some shrubs, pull themselves out of the water,” explained Chief Carruth. “So there was no needed water rescue by fire or police.”
All members of the group were wearing life jackets, with one child being transferred to the hospital because the parents asked for it out of an abundance of caution.
The group of middle school students was through a summer camp with Tracy Aviary.
“We’re trying to get kids out having field experiences, kind of how scientists would collect data in the wild, so we set up a canoe trip,” said Anne Terry, the director of education for Tracy Aviary. “As they were navigating around some of the trees that hang out over the river, we did have two boats flip over.”
Because of the high and fast water levels, officials have warned people to be careful when on the Jordan River.
“The waters are still running very swiftly. They may not look like they’re dangerous, but that undertow is very strong and rapid and moves you very quickly,” said Chief Carruth.
