A submerged truck and trailer had to be extracted from the boat ramp at Centennial Waterfront Park in Twin Falls County on Friday afternoon, prompting roughly an hour-long closure of the boat dock while crews worked to clear the area.
The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office (TFCSO) managed the removal operation and shared details of the incident — along with photographs — on social media following the closure. The operation was completed in approximately one hour, after which the dock reopened to the public.
A Familiar Hazard at the Ramp
The incident underscores a known danger at the Centennial Waterfront Park boat ramp. The TFCSO has previously warned boaters about the risks associated with the launch area, noting that the ramp features an abrupt and steep drop-off at the water’s edge. According to the Sheriff’s Office, “backing too far into the ramp area can lead to this kind of situation, as the ramp ends and there is an abrupt and steep drop-off that can suck a truck and trailer into the water.”
Despite those warnings, Friday’s incident demonstrates that the hazard continues to catch boaters off guard. The steep transition from the ramp surface to open water leaves little margin for error, particularly for drivers unfamiliar with the layout of the launch site.
Safety Awareness on Twin Falls County Waterways
The boat ramp incident is part of a broader pattern of water safety concerns drawing attention across Twin Falls County this summer. Questions about lifeguard coverage and public safety protocols at local swimming areas have also been raised in recent weeks following a drowning at Dierkes Lake, reflecting growing scrutiny of how the county manages risk at its recreational water facilities.
Boaters using Centennial Waterfront Park are encouraged to exercise caution when backing vehicles down the ramp, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the specific grade and endpoint of the launch surface. Spotter assistance — having a second person guide the driver during the backing process — is a practical precaution that can prevent costly and potentially dangerous submersion incidents.
The TFCSO did not release information on whether any injuries were reported in connection with Friday’s incident, or whether any citation was issued.
What Comes Next
The Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office is expected to continue monitoring safety conditions at the Centennial Waterfront Park boat ramp as summer recreational activity on local waterways remains high. Boaters are advised to review posted signage at the ramp, travel at a controlled speed while backing, and remain alert to where the paved surface ends and the water begins. Any updates from the TFCSO regarding ramp safety improvements or additional public guidance will be tracked as they become available. For broader Twin Falls County public safety coverage, visit Idaho News.