BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah (KUTV) - A swimmer was
Mon, June 2nd 2025 at 6:53 PM
Updated Mon, June 2nd 2025 at 10:12 PM
A swimmer was rescued from a creek at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. (Photo: Unified Fire Authority)
BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah (KUTV) — Fast-moving water swept away a man looking to take a cold plunge with friends.
He was rescued from a creek at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon at approximately 5:15 p.m. on Sunday after clinging to a rock for about an hour.
Kelly Bird, a spokesperson for Unified Fire Authority, said the man was an inexperienced swimmer and could not get out on his own.
"This very well could have turned into a recovery incident with the nature of the water right now. How cold it is, how fast it’s moving," Bird said.
Crews lowered a rescuer down to the man, got him into a harness, and lifted him out.
Bird said Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon creeks are protected watershed areas, meaning people are not allowed in the water. More importantly, he said, they are not safe.
"Regardless of if you’re an Olympic swimmer, you’re not going to be able to get yourself out of that situation," Bird said. "Don’t get in the water. It’s that simple."
And if you do go near any water, Bird urges you to wear a life jacket.
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