Three days later, on June 12, 1996, the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming was running at a very high 30,000 cfs. Joseph Schlonski, 55, was on a commercial rafting trip that flipped a boat in Cottonwood Rapids. Most were able to hold onto the raft; and caught ropes thrown from shore. Schlonski was carried downstream for over a mile until picked up by another raft. CPR was performed without success. An autopsy found that the man died of heart disease, which can be aggravated by extreme exertion and cold water. A guide reported that Schlonski appeared ill, and stopped paddling right above the rapid.
SOURCE: Jackson Hole News
ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Flush-drowning, the term used to describe accidents in which a paddler drowns while swimming a long distance in rapids in a PFD, is a recurring problem in river rafting accidents. It can effect parties of any skill level. When a raft flips, many people are thrown into the water. They often become separated, making recovery difficult. Some rafters, both commercial and private, travel in one-boat trips, so there is no one around to pick up swimmers. Unusually high water contributed to most of the incidents described above.
On June 12, the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming was running at a very high 30,000 cfs. Joseph Schlonski, 55 was on a commercial rafting trip that flipped a boat in Cottonwood Rapids. Most were able to hold onto the raft; Schlonski and two others were carried downstream for over a mile until picked up by another raft. Schlonski was unconscious; CPR was performed without success. An autopsy found that the man died of heart disease, which can be aggravated by extreme exertion and cold water. It is unclear if wet suits were used.
