March 31, 2025
NEWS RELEASE
A 43-year-old man was rescued at the Blacktail Reservoir after his Kayak capsized in the water last Saturday (Mar. 29). Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies and Idaho Falls Ambulance responded to the Blacktail Reservoir just before noon after receiving a report of a man in the water by himself yelling for help. As Deputies arrived, they located the man who had just made it to shore, extremely cold and exhausted from exposure to the cold water. The victim was made warm and evaluated by ambulance personnel at the scene. Idaho Fish and Game Officers in the area with a boat were able to retrieve the man’s Kayak from out in the water.
The victim had been wearing a lifejacket when his Kayak turned over, which greatly contributed to his ability to self-rescue and get to the shore. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputies want to remind everyone that water temperatures in our lakes and rivers are extremely cold and dangerous this time of year. The human body’s ability to function in water this cold diminishes in seconds, making your ability to swim, float, or get yourself to safety very difficult. Wearing a lifejacket and preparing for emergency situations is key as we’ve witnessed in this example, even for the most experienced swimmer or water recreationist. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, lean on the side of safety, and prepare for the unexpected.
