A storm Sunday, June 1, brought 20-30 mph winds, with gusts up to 40 mph, that caused 2-4 foot waves on Dillon Reservoir, according to a Summit County Sheriff’s Office news release. Sheriff’s Office boat rangers, with assistance from the Frisco and Dillon marinas, responded to six emergencies caused by the storm.

All the rescues were successful, and nobody was hurt, but the Sheriff’s Office used the incidents as a reminder to water users to check local radar before going out and to monitor the sky while on the reservoir.

Fast-building storm cells happen commonly throughout the summer in Summit County. Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons in the news release stated that if those on the water wait to turn back until a storm arrives, they have waited too long.

“The Dillon Reservoir demands constant awareness, quick action and respect,” FitzSimons said.

The release mentioned that the Sheriff’s Office performed similar rescues on the Dillon Reservoir on June 1, 2024 — exactly a year before Sunday’s rescues. Those rescues included three people who were saved from 43-degree water. 

FitzSimons stated cold water can paralyze the muscles of weak and strong swimmers and emphasized the importance of personal floatation devices.

“A PFD is the only reason some of those individuals are alive today,” FitzSimons said.

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The Sheriff’s Office’s water safety reminders included:

• Personal flotation devices are required by law for all vessels, including paddleboards. Children under 13 must wear them at all times.
• Labels with a name and phone number are required on all paddlecraft. Unmarked “ghost” vessels trigger resource-intensive search and rescue operations.
• Sound-producing devices (e.g., whistles) are required on all paddlecraft.
• Use a leash on paddleboards in flatwater to stay connected to your board in rough conditions.
• Take advantage of the free life jacket loaner program, available at the Frisco Bay Marina and the Pine Cove Ranger Station, thanks to a partnership with the Sea Tow Foundation.

If you or someone else needs assistance on the water, call Summit County Dispatch at 911 for emergencies or 970-668-8600 for nonemergencies.