The Lazy Days Of Summer At Cooney Reservoir Turn Dangerous

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A typical Sunday summer afternoon at Cooney Reservoir State Park, about 50 miles south of Billings, is hot and crowded, with park visitors skiing, inner tubing, fishing and jet skiing.

On August 30, 1998, while FWP wardens Jeff Scott and Kevin Holland were patrolling the reservoir, they noticed a group of 10 people in their 20’s and 30’s with two jet skis near the north shore boat launch and picnic areas.   “These folks were pushing the envelope of safe and courteous boat operation near this heavily used part of the lake,” Holland said.   Two women intentionally made a jet ski flip, throwing both the driver and passenger ten to 15 feet from the jet ski next to a buoyed no-wake area near the beach.

The wardens approached the jet ski operator as she was swimming back to the jet ski to cite her for unsafe operation.   At the same time the passenger was having trouble getting back onto the jet ski.   The wardens told the jet ski operator to drive back to shore, while they picked up the passenger and brought her back.   Returning to shore, the wardens received a radio call from a Park Camp host telling them several picnickers were complaining about the group of jet skiers.

As the wardens beached their boat, the jet ski operator was already talking to her friends and others and pointing at the wardens.   Meanwhile, the camp host was waving from the parking lot.   Holland set out to take the complaint from the picnickers, while Scott went to cite the jet ski operator.

Within minutes one of the young men among the jet skiers had Scott engaged in what looked like a square dance while Scott was spraying him with pepper spray.    Holland ran to help Scott handcuff the young man so he could book him for obstructing a peace officer and disorderly conduct.  

“This young fellow ended up going to the Carbon County jail in Red Lodge to be bailed out by his friends for about $500 later that afternoon.   The jet ski operator was cited for unsafe operation and paid a $70 fine,” Holland said.  

“What could have been a simple citation for unsafe operation of a jet ski turned into an incident with one person going to jail, one cited for a boat violation, one of the first times mace was used on a person in the line of duty, a fight in a State Park in one of the busiest picnic areas in the state, everyone in this group being removed from the park for the day and more excitement than most folks out for a restful day wanted,” Holland said.

“Being aware of how our actions impact the enjoyment and safety of others is even more important as growing numbers of people turn to our state parks for recreation. This entire incident could have been avoided if boating safety regulations were being followed.”