Boy survives a dip in icy park creek

The Daily Inter Lake

A 12-year-old boy from Stockett, Mont., survived a plunge into the icy waters of McDonald Creek in Glacier National Park on Wednesday afternoon.

After being swept about 25 feet downstream in whitewater near Red Rock Point, the boy was washed to the other side of the creek. The boy's father, Dan Betts, entered the water and reached the boy on the other side.

Four park rangers, alerted by another family member's phone call to the park's dispatch center, responded to the scene.

They used an inflatable kayak to retrieve the boy and his father. Both were cold and tired but did not sustain any serious injuries.

Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Dubois said the incident highlights an often-overlooked but very real danger at the park.

"Rocks are extremely slippery, the water level is currently very high, and the currents are swift. Visitors need to use extreme caution near any water source," she said.

The conditions, combined with the frigid water, can be disastrous.

Drowning is the number one cause of death in Glacier National Park.

"We are delighted that Mr. Betts and his son are safe and sound," Dubois said.