FORT MCDOWELL, Ariz. — A teenage boy is dead after capsizing a kayak at Butcher Jones Beach, authorities said.
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to Butcher Jones Beach on Friday around 4 p.m. for a possible drowning, authorities said. Witnesses told authorities a 16-year-old boy capsized his kayak. The boy could not swim and did not have a personal floatation device on when he capsized, authorities said.
The boy yelled for help and friends attempted to assist in helping him out of the water, but were unable to. At 6:21 p.m., an underwater search was started. The boy's body was found at approximately 7:11 p.m. at a depth of 14 feet of water, authorities said.
Authorities said there did not appear to be any foul play. The boy's identity will not be released, MCSO said.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department posted on Facebook expressing condolences for the family and reminding those who are on the water to remember to wear a life jacket.
"So awful. We’re so sorry to hear this. Our hearts absolutely break for his family and friends," AZGFD said. "Tragedies like this are why we ask you to please take this advice seriously: wear your life jacket, every trip and every time."
<< This story will be updated as additional information becomes available. Stay with 12News for the latest.
Drowning Prevention Tips:
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between ages 1-4 aside from birth defects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three children die every day as a result of drowning. Here are some tips from the CDC on how to protect children around water:
Learn life-saving skills.
Everyone should know the basics of swimming (floating, moving through the water) and CPR.
Fence it off.
Install a four–sided isolation fence, with self–closing and self–latching gates, around backyard swimming pools. This can help keep children away from the area when they aren’t supposed to be swimming. Pool fences should be completely separate the house and play area from the pool.
Life jackets are a must.
Make sure kids wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water, such as lakes or the ocean, even if they know how to swim. Life jackets can be used in and around pools for weaker swimmers too.
Keep a close watch.
When kids are in or near water (including bathtubs), closely supervise them at all times. Because drowning happens quickly and quietly, adults watching kids in or near water should avoid distracting activities like reading books, talking on the phone, or using alcohol and drugs.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.