This page will be updated as more information becomes available. Consult the table at the bottom of this page for info on specific state park boat ramps. Water levels at many Utah state parks are experiencing extreme lows. When reservoirs reach these levels, some parks are forced to close their boat launch ramps in order […]
Man Dies While Aiding Child at Red Fleet State Park
RED FLEET STATE PARK — A 34-year-old Uintah County man is dead following an incident at Red Fleet State Park yesterday. Just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020, Dustin Peterson was boating with family and friends in the wakeless area of Red Fleet Reservoir. While there, a child in Peterson’s group began to […]
Tennessee Man Dies at Deer Creek State Park
DEER CREEK STATE PARK – A 71-year-old Tennessee man is dead following an incident at Deer Creek State Park yesterday. Just before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, Daniel Nelson Thompson from Newport, Tennessee was boating with family and friends between Wallsburg Bay and Rainbow Cove area at Deer Creek State Park. While boating, Thompson’s […]
Park Ranger Receives Award, Saves Woman Just Two Days Later
SALT LAKE CITY — Being a Utah State Parks Law Enforcement Ranger is both a challenging and rewarding job. These rangers spend countless hours training, patrolling Utah’s recreation areas, volunteering in search and rescue efforts, managing state parks, and interacting with the public. One such Ranger had an especially busy week — receiving a prestigious […]
Utah officials push life jackets, release new PSA as Memorial Day approaches
SALT LAKE CITY — Memorial Day is around the corner, and Utah State Parks officials are urging the public to wear their life jackets as Utahns gear up for the start of the recreation season. Utah has already experienced 3 water-related deaths within the last two weeks. Unfortunately, none of those involved in these tragedies […]
Staying Safe Around Bison at Antelope Island
ANTELOPE ISLAND STATE PARK (DWR) — With the warmer weather comes a host of outdoor recreational activities, which can often lead to encounters with wildlife. Antelope Island State Park is a popular recreational destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, bird-watching, and boating on the Great Salt Lake. The island is also home to […]
Over 2000 Contacts, 160 Citations Issued Following Operation Dry Water
SALT LAKE CITY — In an effort to decrease the amount of DUI’s both on and off the water this last holiday weekend, law enforcement officers joined forces to fight back as part of 2019 Operation Dry Water. From July 5–7, rangers from the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation and officers from the United […]
Gunlock Visitors: Stay Safe Around Waterfalls, Rocks
GUNLOCK STATE PARK — Due to a recent increase in injuries, the Utah Division of Parks and Recreation would like to remind visitors to Gunlock State Park to stay safe and aware when recreating near the waterfalls. The waterfalls at Gunlock State Park are a beautiful and rare sight to behold. After being absent for […]
Stop Propeller Cuts – These Tips Can Save Your Life
Utah has seen too many propeller cuts this boating season, and the Utah State Parks Boating Program wants to help put a stop to it. Propeller cuts can severely injure – and even kill. A typical three-blade boat propeller running at 3,200 rpm can inflict 160 impacts in one second. If your leg, arm, torso, […]
UPDATE: Name Released in Sand Hollow Fatality
SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK – A Nevada man was killed Wednesday following an incident at the Sand Hollow State Park boating dock. The man, identified as 71-year-old Jimmie Hilton of Las Vegas, was involved in what appears to be an accidental drowning at this time. According to witnesses, Hilton was stepping from the dock to an awaiting […]