Man Dies in Paddleboarding Accident at Jordanelle Reservoir, Officials Urge Safety Gear
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office is warning all water recreationists to wear life jackets following the death of James A. Singer, a 24-year-old Salt Lake City resident, who died in an apparent paddleboarding accident on April 13 at Jordanelle Reservoir.
Authorities responded swiftly after a water-related emergency call was placed to the Wasatch County 911 Center around 7:45 a.m.. Rescue teams from the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office, Fire District, and the Utah Division of Natural Resources located Singer on the opposite side of the lake from where he launched.
Public Information Officer Leo Lucey reported the incident occurred under harsh weather conditions with cold temperatures and “super windy” gusts. Officials believe Singer was swept across the reservoir by strong winds while paddleboarding alone.
“It was a super windy, cold day with heavy wind gusts … He’d gone in at the main ramp, and they found him all the way on the other side of the lake,” Lucey said.
Law enforcement suspects Singer’s death resulted from a combination of drowning and exposure. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death.
Authorities Emphasize Life Jacket Use to Prevent Future Tragedies
The Sheriff’s Office highlighted this incident as a stark reminder that water-related accidents can happen even outside peak summer months. Lucey stressed the importance of wearing a safety vest no matter the water activity—be it boating, fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
“We recommend that everyone wear a safety vest no matter what they’re doing in the water,” Lucey urged.
At least one drowning is reported annually in the jurisdiction, typically peaking in warmer months. This recent tragedy reignites focus on water safety protocols across the region.
Why This Matters to South Carolina and Nationwide Outdoor Enthusiasts
Though this incident happened in Utah, South Carolina and many states with abundant lakes and reservoirs share similar risks for outdoor water recreation. The reminder to always wear personal flotation devices applies universally, particularly as paddleboarding and other water sports surge in popularity nationwide.
As spring temperatures rise, boating and paddleboarding accidents often increase, underscoring the urgency of preventative measures. Safety authorities encourage every water user to assess conditions before entering the water and never to rely solely on skill amid unpredictable weather.
Next Steps: Investigation and Continued Safety Campaigns
The Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office awaits the autopsy report, expected to confirm the cause of death and provide more clarity on this tragic accident.
Meanwhile, law enforcement and fire services vow to ramp up public education on water safety, aiming to save lives through awareness and proper equipment use—lessons that resonate with all Americans enjoying outdoor waterways.
Stay tuned for updates as more details become available and remember to always prioritize safety on the water.
