The Great Salt Lake (GSL) in Utah is one of the most saline bodies of water in the world, earning it the nickname “America’s Dead Sea.” As a terminal lake, it has no outlet besides evaporation, which causes minerals carried by inflowing rivers to accumulate over time. This high salt concentration creates a unique environment that immediately raises questions about visitor safety and the possibility of traditional drowning. The simple answer to whether a person can drown in the Great Salt Lake is complex, as the lake’s properties make sinking extremely difficult, but they introduce other, non-traditional hazards.
The Physics of Floating: Salinity and Density
The GSL’s extraordinary buoyancy results from its hypersaline nature, which dramatically increases the water’s density. Ocean water averages about 3.5% salinity, but the GSL’s south arm typically ranges from 5% to 19%. The north arm, separated by a causeway, can reach salinities as high as 28%, making the GSL up to nine times saltier than the ocean.
The density of the highly saline water is much greater than the density of the human body, ensuring buoyancy. This makes it nearly impossible to fully submerge. The effect is so pronounced that floating is often described as feeling like a cork, with a large portion of the body remaining above the surface.
The specific gravity of the GSL water, particularly in the northern arm, can approach that of saturated brine. This physical property provides an upward force that easily counteracts a person’s weight. While a person could theoretically drown by other means, the physical act of sinking beneath the surface against one’s will is highly improbable.
Specific Hazards of the Brine
While the lake’s physics prevents sinking, the highly concentrated brine introduces significant health and safety hazards. The most serious risk is brine aspiration, which occurs if the hypersaline water is inhaled. This can cause severe chemical pneumonitis or osmotic shock as the extremely salty solution reacts with delicate lung tissues.
The brine also causes immediate, painful effects on mucous membranes and open wounds. Even a small splash in the eyes can cause intense stinging, temporary vision impairment, and disorientation, potentially leading to panic or accidental inhalation. The high salt content causes rapid dehydration and irritation of the skin, requiring immediate rinsing after exposure.
The lakebed and shoreline present specific physical hazards distinct from the water. Historically low water levels expose large areas of the lakebed, and the shallow margins can be deceptive. Sharp salt crystals, primarily sodium chloride, grow on the lake bottom and exposed shore, posing a risk of foot or leg injury. Visitors must also be aware of the thick, deep mud and sludge near the shorelines, which can trap feet and make walking hazardous.
Essential Safety Measures for Visitors
Visitors should prioritize minimizing exposure to the brine, especially near the face. Actively avoid splashing, which can inadvertently lead to eye contact or inhalation. Wearing protective eyewear, such as goggles, is an effective precaution to shield the eyes from the immediate, painful irritation caused by the salt.
Immediate access to fresh rinsing water is the most useful safety measure for visitors. On-shore showers or large containers of fresh water should be used promptly to wash off any brine that contacts the skin or eyes. The salt residue left on the skin and hair can be intensely irritating if not removed thoroughly.
Awareness of the lake’s terrain is also important for safe enjoyment. Due to rapid fluctuations in the lake’s level, the bottom can be uneven, and the submerged mud can be unstable. Visitors should move slowly and cautiously when walking into the lake to avoid unexpected drops in depth or getting stuck in the thick, silty substrate.