An Australian tourist has died swimming in the Colorado River as part of a holiday trip through the iconic Grand Canyon..
Kenneth Reece was pulled from the water near Deer Creek Falls by members of his river tour after his swim went wrong.
The party administered CPR and made an emergency call to the Grand Canyon National Park rangers, but attempts to revive the 77-year-old Tasmanian man failed.
Mr Reece’s body was recovered by helicopter, and has death is now been g investigated by Park rangers and the Coconino County Medical Examiner Office.
The Park rangers also issued a warning to other tourists that swimming in the Colorado River is different to swimming in pools, with the river’s depth changing from shallow to deep in only a few steps.
There are also swift, strong currents, waterfalls, cold temperatures and underwater hazards such as trees and boulders that can overcome the strongest swimmers.
Horror year for visitor deaths
Fatalities at the Gran Canyon National Park are not unheard of, with 20 visitors losing their lives in 2017, and 17 in 2018.
The Park has claimed its fair share of victims in 2019 too, including three deaths in a horror eight-day period that started in late March when a Hong Kong tourist fell more than 300 metres while taking photos.
Park rangers have previously cautioned visitors to hike with caution, especially through hotter summer months.
“Anyone hiking in heat needs to balance food and water intake, drink when thirsty, and get wet to stay cool. Heat related illness strikes individuals quickly,” a National Parks Service statement warned.
“Continuing to hike, ignoring the symptoms of heat illness, and not taking care of yourself or others can lead to serious if not fatal outcomes.”
– With AAP
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