Westwater Incident - A case study of a rafting accident on the Colorado River

A commercial rafting incident occurred on June 4th, 2015 on the Westwater section of the Colorado River in Utah. It resulted in a fatality. The purpose of this case study is to provide an actual scenario for students to study and to assist in accident prevention. It uses the rescue curve to frame the incident.

The following are some questions raised by the case study and video.
1) In terms of the rescue curve, Kathy’s attempt to self-rescue was unsuccessful. Should she have been able to get on top of the flipped raft?
2) Rescue by other rafters in your group is the next line of defense. Discuss the impact of spacing on the rescue or lack of rescue?
3) When does rescue mode begin? Should Cliff have waited nearly two minutes in the eddy before pursuing Kathy’s raft?
4) If you were the guide in Cliff’s raft, could you make “rescue mode” into an exciting activity for passengers? What would you do?
5) Use your favorite accident process model or barrier analysis to stimulate a discussion on accident prevention.
6) Last, if this case study is used to discuss negligence, was there a breach of duty. Note that this case was settled out of court and the plaintiff was pleased with the settlement.