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Willard Drowning - Printable Version

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Willard Drowning - RockyRaab2 - 08-05-2024

News says they are still looking for a 51-yo man who "became separated from his boat" on Willard over the weekend. 

No name given. Hope it wasn't a BFT regular.


RE: Willard Drowning - lovetofish - 08-05-2024

Sad news, just another reason to wear your life jacket all the time.


RE: Willard Drowning - TubeDude - 08-05-2024

From Channel 4 News:

According to a press release from the Utah Division of State Parks, Robert Mittendorf, who is from Weber County, was swimming with his son near their boat when a sudden storm came through the area. The two were reportedly separated from their boat, but Mittendorf’s son managed to swim back and tried to grab a life jacket for his father.


RE: Willard Drowning - sliverslinger - 08-06-2024

So very Sad! Prayers for everyone involved.


RE: Willard Drowning - RockyRaab2 - 08-06-2024

The usual scenario is a guy boating alone tries to pee over the side when a wave comes from behind and dumps him overboard.

I carry a small plastic bucket on a cord. Pee in the bucket, then hold the cord to rinse it over the side. No precarious balancing on the gunwale. In a pinch, I could even do a #2 in it. And I wear an inflatable PFD from dock to dock.


RE: Willard Drowning - Redrebel - 08-06-2024

I grew up surfing, playing water polo and competing swimming. However, whenever I’m on an open body of water I have my life jacket on. Not saying this to rub salt in a wound. Thoughts are with the family.


RE: Willard Drowning - Paddler - 08-06-2024

Willard can get quite rough in hurry, I've been caught out up there a couple of times. Several years ago a storm blew up so bad I had spray up over my bimini. I saw a small boat heading back toward the south marina with two people aboard into the 2-3' wind waves. I knew they were going to get pretty soaked, but didn't realize the danger they were in.

When I got back to the north marina a couple of Parks guy were about to launch their boat. They said a small boat had capsized and two people were in the water. I found out later that the two were a grandad and his grandson. I remember that the grandson had his cell phone in a plastic zip lock, so was able to dial 911. I shudder to think how narrow their escape was.


RE: Willard Drowning - BearLakeFishGuy - 08-06-2024

With it being 80+F water it should not take very long for the person to float up. Its very Sad, but this can be prevented.


RE: Willard Drowning - meancuznalfy - 08-06-2024

So Sad, lots of drownings this year, been quite a few in Montana, one was a guy going in after a fishing pole.


RE: Willard Drowning - wiperhunter2 - 08-06-2024

Guess they found him today.


RE: Willard Drowning - Gone Forever - 08-09-2024

(08-06-2024, 11:42 AM)RockyRaab2 Wrote: The usual scenario is a guy boating alone tries to pee over the side when a wave comes from behind and dumps him overboard.

I carry a small plastic bucket on a cord. Pee in the bucket, then hold the cord to rinse it over the side. No precarious balancing on the gunwale. In a pinch, I could even do a #2 in it. And I wear an inflatable PFD from dock to dock.

This exact scenario is why I bought a bigger boat.
I also wear an auto inflate PFD from dock to dock.


RE: Willard Drowning - oldguy - 08-09-2024

(08-09-2024, 02:25 PM)Gone Forever Wrote:
(08-06-2024, 11:42 AM)RockyRaab2 Wrote: The usual scenario is a guy boating alone tries to pee over the side when a wave comes from behind and dumps him overboard.

I carry a small plastic bucket on a cord. Pee in the bucket, then hold the cord to rinse it over the side. No precarious balancing on the gunwale. In a pinch, I could even do a #2 in it. And I wear an inflatable PFD from dock to dock.

This exact scenario is why I bought a bigger boat.
I also wear an auto inflate PFD from dock to dock.

Dock to dock is the only way to go!!!