Recreating responsibly in summer saves lives

Tragedy was narrowly averted in Glacier National Park last week after three hikers fell into the Avalanche Creek gorge. A pair of quick-thinking and courageous brothers — armed with the know-how to act in wilderness medical emergencies, it must be emphasized — rescued two adults from Glacier's notoriously dangerous white water.  

Both were resuscitated with CPR and the third hiker, described by witnesses as a teenager, managed to cling to branches until park rangers could rappel down and extricate them. All three were later taken to Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell.  

The heroism of the rescuers cannot be overstated, and their bravery is appreciated. But as they told the Inter Lake in an interview afterward, rushing into cold, fast-moving water should only be done with the proper training and experience.  

All in all, it was a near brush with death at a location in the park that has claimed lives in the recent past. Last year, a 28-year-old man died in the waters of Avalanche Creek likely after slipping and falling. In 2023, a college student fell off a rocky overhang and into the creek. Like the 28-year-old, she was swept into the gorge and perished.  

Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death in Glacier National Park. Near Avalanche Creek, park officials have posted signs warning of the risk the water poses, but officials caution that it's up to visitors to heed the danger. Personal responsibility and sound decision-making are paramount.  

And the same can be said for anyone recreating in, on or around Montana's many bodies of water this year. With the Fourth of July just recently gone by, Northwest Montana's lakes and rivers are hosting the usual deluge of summer enthusiasts. 

When it comes to moving water, officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks remind recreationalists to keep a close eye on children, watch for downed trees and avoid bridge pilings.  

And though the summer sun is hot, the water might not have caught up yet. Cold water immersion — plunging into water at a temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or less — is a scenario that can become deadly in just minutes.  

It can bring on cold water shock, which can prompt involuntary gasping and lead to drowning. The sudden chill also can alter heart rates and blood pressure. Even after the shock fades, a would-be swimmer can find themselves incapacitated by the cold, unable to work their muscles.  

Fed by mountain springs, many of Montana’s water bodies don’t warm up above 65 degrees even at the height of summer.  

The state wildlife agency has a raft of survival tips for anyone who might find themselves in the situation available at fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating/safety but donning a life jacket when on the water is a stroke in the right direction.  

And remember, never drink and cruise. It’s illegal to operate a motorboat or sailboat while imbibing just like it's illegal to play in the surf behind a boat — think water skiing or tubing — with a blood alcohol content of 0.08.  

Among fatal boating accidents where a cause is known, alcohol played a primary role in 23% of the deadly mishaps, according to Fish, Wildlife and Parks. So make sure to play it safe this summer.