LAUGHLIN (FOX5) — A local jet ski rental operator walked across the Colorado River in Laughlin, capturing dramatic drone footage that went viral and highlighted ongoing low water levels throughout the Colorado River Basin.
Ryan Deters, who works at a jet ski rental business on the river, successfully crossed from one side to the other. Water was low at the time due to the Bureau of Reclamation holding back water at Davis Dam upstream from Laughlin.
“He walked from one side of the river to the other. He normally works renting out jet skis on the river. So he’s really familiar with the river itself. So he kind of knew the points where to step and whatnot,” said FOX5 reporter Kim Passoth, who interviewed Deters about his river crossing.
Planned water releases create crossing opportunity
While the Bureau of Reclamation regularly conducts water releases, current water levels are significantly lower than in previous years.
“This was planned. But to watch that video, it was pretty dramatic to be able to see that the water level is that low,” Passoth said.
Deters had considered attempting the crossing for years but waited until conditions seemed feasible.
“It’s something that he wanted to do for years. And he kind of was like, ‘Well, I think I can do it.’ But he wasn’t 100% sure that it would be feasible. But he did make it across both ways,” Passoth said.
Water reached chest level during crossing
During the crossing, water levels varied from knee-deep to chest-high at certain points. Deters felt confident attempting the trek due to his daily familiarity with the river’s currents and conditions.
“At some points, it was up to his chest level. But nothing where he thought that he would be in trouble. And again, because he was on the river every day, he knew the currents really well,” Passoth said.
Deters used a tracking drone to capture aerial footage of his journey, creating the viral video that drew widespread attention online.
Crossing reflects broader water concerns
The river crossing highlights ongoing drought conditions affecting the entire Colorado River Basin, including Lake Mead, which supplies water to Las Vegas and surrounding areas.
“And really, it just harkens back to the water levels across the Colorado Basin that we’ve been watching for years as we’ve been in this mega drought. And especially up here at Lake Mead, you can see the bathtub ring when you go out there,” Passoth said.
Lake Mead hit an all-time low in 2022, exposing previously submerged objects, including boats, rocks and human remains. Officials predict the lake could reach another record low in 2027.
“And they do predict that it’s supposed to hit an all-time low in 2027. So that’s something that we’re certainly watching as well,” Passoth said.
Personal challenge rather than protest
Deters undertook the crossing as a personal challenge rather than to make a statement about water levels, according to Passoth.
“I think when he saw the opportunity to see if he could walk across it, it was kind of like a challenge to do it. I don’t know if it was a statement about water levels. I think it was more of a, ‘This would be fun to try,’” Passoth said.
Deters operates his jet ski rental business during warm months when Laughlin temperatures run approximately 15 degrees warmer than Las Vegas, making the area popular for water sports.
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