News Release Date: September 5, 2019
Contact: Lily Daniels, 928-638-7958
Grand Canyon, AZ- Grand Canyon National Park rangers responded to an emergency call of assistance for a 77-year-old man on a river trip Sept. 3, 2019, below Deer Creek Falls on the Colorado River.
Responding rangers arrived at River Mile 136, and took over resuscitation efforts from on-scene personnel. Rescue personnel were unable to resuscitate Kenneth Reece of Tasmania, Australia.
The rescue team recovered the body with the park’s helicopter and transferred it to the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
Reece was swimming in the vicinity of the falls and was recovered from the water by other river trip members who initiated CPR. Park rangers and the Coconino County Medical Examiner Office are cooperating in an investigation of his death. No additional information is available at this time.
Grand Canyon National Park would like to remind visitors that swimming in the Colorado River is very different from swimming in pools. The water can change in depth unexpectedly, going from shallow to deep in just a few steps, and it can have swift, strong currents, waterfalls, cold temperatures, and underwater hazards such as trees and boulders. Even the strongest swimmers can be overcome by these conditions.
-NPS-
Can you swim in the Colorado River? At some points, yes, provided you are not near strong currents or rapids. Some eddies near shore are safe, if your guides so say. In most of the canyon, you should never venture out into the main river channel! Below the last rapid at mile 237, though, the waters of Lake Mead have backed up into the canyon so it's calm water the remaining 55 miles. Our captains let us jump in above the meeting point for the jet boats at Separation Canyon, mile 239. The water is cool and refreshing.
River Island Market is open and the deli is open. Stage I Fire Restrictions are in effect. Wifi is down for repairs until further notice.
Dump station and potable water filling is for use by registered campers only (No OHV use of dump station or filling fresh water tanks).
• Comfortable footwear is recommended to wear during your swimming experience because some rocky areas are located within the designated swimming area.
• If sun bathing on shore, we recommend a light mat to place under your towel for added comfort.
• Do not swim near boat ramps or docks.
• The river's temperature can vary from temperate in the shallows to near-freezing in open water. if you're concerned about temperature drops in the water, be sure and bring an insulated swimming outfit, like a thermal swimming suit.
• In all situations, swimmers should exercise caution. There is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming is at your own risk.
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