PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Saturday afternoon, a married couple from the Phoenix area drowned while using an inflatable kayak on the lower Salt River. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., just after the Halloween festivities began.
Details of the tragedy
First responders were dispatched after a bystander reported hearing a man shout that his wife could not swim as the kayak drifted downstream. Deputies from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the couple, identified as Cindy Bowers, 68, and Anthony Beringer, 59, were sharing a single inflatable kayak and were not wearing life jackets.
Investigators said both individuals went missing underwater. The woman’s body was recovered shortly after 2 p.m., and her husband’s body was found upstream around 3 p.m. The deaths are currently under investigation by the sheriff’s office.
Safety reminders
The Salt River is a popular recreation spot for boating, kayaking and fishing, especially during the cooler fall months. However, the river’s currents can become swift, and the water temperature often remains cold enough to cause rapid loss of body heat. Local authorities repeatedly stress the importance of wearing a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved personal flotation device (PFD) for any water activity, regardless of swimming ability.
“Life jackets save lives,” said Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Hernandez. “Even strong swimmers can be overcome by cold water, currents, or unexpected obstacles. We urge everyone to make safety gear a non‑negotiable part of any outing on the river.”
Community response
Friends and family of the couple expressed deep sorrow on social media, noting the couple’s love of outdoor recreation and their long‑standing involvement in local church groups. Many community members have called for increased signage along the river’s lower stretches to remind paddlers of safety requirements.
Local churches and volunteer groups have also offered support to the grieving families, organizing prayer vigils and providing assistance with funeral arrangements. The incident has sparked a renewed conversation among Arizona’s outdoor‑enthusiast community about the balance between enjoying nature and adhering to safety protocols.
What to do if you encounter an emergency on the river
If you witness someone in distress on the water, call 911 immediately and provide clear details about the location, number of people involved, and any visible hazards. If you are trained in water rescue, approach with caution and use a rescue device such as a throw rope or a personal flotation device to assist the victim.
Authorities recommend that anyone planning a river outing check the latest water level and flow reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and the Arizona Department of Water Resources before heading out.
Investigation continues
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drownings. No foul play is suspected, and the focus remains on determining whether any additional safety measures could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
