Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said Thursday that search and rescue teams will soon have more advanced sonar systems to help them search for a paddleboarder who has been missing since July 16.

Sound navigation has already been used in the search for 33-year-old Emily Rea. Authorities believe she was alone when she launched her paddleboard near the Riverside Boat Launch in Hungry Horse Reservoir. In addition to boat crews equipped with sonar and underwater robots, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office used canine teams, ground teams, Two Bear Air, drone teams and divers in its efforts to find Rea.

Heino said a person from Idaho is bringing visual sonar to assist in the search. The sonar will allow authorities to search at greater depths.

Rea’s paddleboard was found upside down in the Flossy Creek area on July 17, more than two miles west of the boat ramp.

Heino told reporters at an Aug. 15 briefing on life jacket safety on the shores of Foys Lake that the reservoir’s underwater terrain is difficult to search.

“The challenge for us is the varied terrain, in some places it’s 106 meters, so it’s a very dynamic ground,” said Heino. “But yes, we still have resources out there and we work with the family and try to do the best possible job there.”

He described the upcoming sonar equipment as more advanced and said it will be more thorough.

IN THE MIDDLE OF EIGHT After boating-related drownings occurred across the state of Montana this year, Heino joined Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff in reminding the public to wear life jackets, among other safety measures, while playing in the region’s many lakes and rivers.

“We’ve had a lot of population growth here in Montana and in this county, so there are a lot more people outside, right? On the other hand, I think a lot of people want to enjoy the lakes, rivers and streams that we have, so more people are outside for recreation,” Heino said.

Nathan Reiner, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 supervisor, said of the eight boating accidents this year, six involved non-motorized watercraft. Kayakers and paddleboarders must continue to wear life jackets, even if they are strong swimmers, he said.

“You don’t know the water temperatures and how that will affect you. You don’t know how the currents will affect you. You might be able to swim in a pool, but if you get into a cold river with currents, it’s better not to take any risks and wear a life jacket,” Reiner said.

Reiner showed off a variety of personal flotation devices, including one that is worn as a fanny pack. He said the state wildlife agency runs a life jacket rental program at popular fishing spots and state parks.

Life jacket kiosks are available at all Flathead Lake State Parks, as well as at the West Glacier River Access Site (on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River) and the Glacier Rim River Access Boating Site (on the North Fork of the Flathead River). These are available each summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Reiner said it’s important to adjust the life jacket so there’s no room for accidental slipping out, especially if someone gets caught in a strong current. For children, Reiner recommends lifting the shoulder straps to ensure a proper fit. There shouldn’t be any slack, he said.

HEINO also stressed that you should familiarize yourself with the layout of the land before the tour. Anyone heading out onto Flathead Lake should be aware that weather conditions can change quickly. Anyone rafting on the Flathead River should also familiarize themselves with the whitewater sections.

The water in northwest Montana is typically cold, making it more difficult to get out of a drowning situation, Heino said.

“In many places our water is colder. I think that’s a big factor,” he said. “Another reason is that accidents can happen quickly. So if you fall or hit your head or things like that – we’ve seen a lot of those.”

Heino said Flathead County is fortunate to have one of the largest volunteer departments in the entire state. Even with additional resources, they can only handle a limited number of critical calls at a time, he said.

“There are only a limited number of them and we try to answer all of these calls, but they are piling up,” Heino said.

For more information about safe water recreation, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park website at fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating/safety/.

Reporter Taylor Inman can be reached at 406-758-4433 or by email at [email protected].

Paddleboarders head out onto Foys Lake on Thursday, August 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Chalker

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Capt. Nathan Reiner discuss water safety practices at Foys Lake County Park on Thursday, Aug. 15. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Chalker