RAPID CITY, S.D. – A cliff jumping accident at Pactola Reservoir on Thursday evening, July 24, resulted in a water rescue and medical transport, highlighting the dangers of such activities in the Black Hills.
First responders were dispatched shortly before 8:00 p.m. to the Jenny Gulch area of Pactola Reservoir. The Johnson Siding Fire Department (JSFD), Silver City Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), and Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD) Medic 5 were among the initial units on scene. Pennington County Dispatch also requested Black Hills Life Flight to be on standby.
Witnesses at the scene had already pulled an individual from the water who was injured in a diving accident. The injured person was placed on a paddleboard and moved to a picnic area where emergency personnel met them. Medics from Black Hills Life Flight evaluated the patient, who was conscious, alert, and breathing unassisted. The patient was then secured to a backboard and transported by helicopter to a local hospital.
Authorities acknowledged the public’s swift action in assisting the injured individual. However, they also cautioned against moving someone with unknown injuries without proper training or equipment, as it can inadvertently worsen the injury.
Agencies involved in the rescue operation included the Silver City Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department Medic 5, Black Hills Life Flight, U.S. Forest Service – Black Hills National Forest Law Enforcement, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and Pennington County 911. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with cliff jumping and other high-risk activities in natural areas throughout South Dakota.
