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PINEVIEW RESERVOIR — Weber County deputies are crediting a recently enacted alcohol ban at Pineview and Causey Reservoirs for a decrease in alcohol-related problems and an improvement in overall safety.
Weber County Search and Rescue Lt. Brandon Toll said the department has gotten positive feedback since the alcohol ban.
“They’re telling us that the beaches are cleaner,” Toll said. “It’s a more inviting, safe, enjoyable place to come now.”
Huntsville Mayor Jim Truett echoed Toll's statements, saying that local residents have noticed improvements too. The one caveat, he explained, is that people who want to sneak in alcohol seem to be heading to the free areas instead.
Toll said the improvements to overall safety are big when comparing before and after the ban.
“We're actually able to get out and be proactive, and interact with the public out there,” Toll said. “Walk the beaches, talk to people, respond to other calls to service in a timely manner.”
During Memorial Day Weekend, the department saw a total of 16 alcohol-related incidents — tying up four to eight deputies on each incident, Toll said. After the ban went into effect, only one alcohol-related incident was reported during the Fourth of July Weekend.
But not everyone agrees the ban has been effective.
Bree Troxel takes her three kids to Pineview Reservoir nearly every week during the summer to paddle board and enjoy the scenery. Troxel said the new ban on alcohol hasn’t produced the results she hoped for.
“I feel like it’s almost gotten worse,” Troxel said. “There’s trash everywhere, empty beer bottles everywhere. They come and picnic and they bring (alcohol) with them.”
But Toll said there is one major difference worth noting: zero accidental drownings so far.
"In years past, we get an average of two to three," Toll said.
Officials plan to pay close attention during the upcoming Labor Day Weekend. The number and type of calls during the holiday weekend will be compared to the year before and presented to the Weber County Commission at their meeting.
