Heino told reporters at the Aug. 15 briefing about lifejacket safety on the shore of Foys Lake that the underwater terrain of the reservoir is difficult to search.
“The challenge we're seeing is the varying terrain, it's 350 feet in some spots, so it's a very dynamic bottom,” Heino said. “But yes, we still have resources out there and we're working with the family, trying to do the best jobs we can out there."
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 Warden Capt. Nathan Reiner said among the eight boat-related drownings this year, six of them involved non-motorized watercraft. Kayakers and paddleboarders still need to wear lifejackets, even if they are capable swimmers, he said.
"You don't know the water temperatures and the effects that's going to have on you, you don't know how the currents will effect you. You might be able to swim in a pool, but when you get out in a cold river with currents, you're better off just not taking a chance and wearing a life jacket,” Reiner said.
Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said Thursday that search and rescue teams looking for a paddleboarder missing since July 16 will soon have more advanced sonar at their disposal.
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