Last year, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office sent out a plea to companies and donors to assist the Utah County Search and Rescue Team in purchasing a new boat to aid in rough-water rescues. Upon learning of the need, dōTERRA reached out to see what we could do to ensure the team was properly outfitted with a boat to meet their needs.  

With the backing of the dōTERRA Healing Hands Foundation, Utah County Search and Rescue was able to purchase a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, which has a rigid fiberglass V-hull that cuts through heavy waves and inflatable sides to cushion impact. With very little draft, the boat can operate in shallow water and is equipped with radar, sonar, and thermal imaging equipment to better aid in recovery missions.  

Soon after getting the boat back in November, the Utah County Search and Rescue team was asked to assist the Wasatch County Sheriff’s Office in locating two missing victims after their canoe capsized on Strawberry Reservoir in 38-degree water. The team deployed on November 17 and was able to help locate one of the victims using the side-scan sonar. This experience not only built the team’s confidence in their new equipment, but also proved that the boat will be a great asset for both Utah County as well as many other agencies throughout the state.