Rampart Reservoir was a picture of serenity last weekend, boasting warm and sunny weather, until a sudden gust of wind upended the tranquil atmosphere.
This unexpected shift led to strong waves that knocked four paddleboarders into the chilly 50-degree waters of the reservoir.
Fortunately, two teens managed to swim back to shore, while the other two adults were safely rescued by a boat. All four individuals were wearing life jackets, which first responders credit for ensuring their safety during the incident.
This incident serves as a triumph for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, an agency that has been vigorously promoting the importance of life jackets and adhering to state laws regarding personal flotation devices (PFDs).
The agency has not only increased public awareness through educational initiatives but also enforced these laws, issuing tickets to violators and providing life jackets for loan at various state park reservoirs and recreation sites.
In 2023, at least 15 individuals have tragically lost their lives in Colorado’s rivers and reservoirs, a significant decrease from the previous year’s toll of 32 fatalities by the same time in the season.
Out of this year’s deaths, 13 occurred in reservoirs and two were attributed to moving water, according to data from The Colorado Sun.
Bridget O’Rourke, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, highlighted the unwatched nature of Colorado waters compared to swimming pools, making life jacket usage critical.
“If heavy rain or wind comes in, it could flip your boat,” she cautioned, emphasizing the unpredictable conditions that can arise.
In her words, “Having a life jacket is the best thing you can do to keep your head above water.”
The statistics from this season emphasize the importance of this messaging.
Among the fatalities were a father who fell into Chatfield Reservoir while sharing a paddleboard with his children, a canoe paddler whose boat capsized at Spinney Mountain Reservoir in mid-April without wearing his PFD, and a 51-year-old man from Minnesota whose body was discovered at Dillon Reservoir after several months missing.
Additional tragic incidents included a fisherman found adrift in Skaguay Reservoir and a 35-year-old man who drowned when his inflatable packraft overturned in a Class II-III whitewater section of the Arkansas River below Buena Vista.
Notably, two deaths occurred due to boating accidents in reservoirs, one in rafting accidents on rivers, four in swimming accidents in reservoirs, with Pueblo Reservoir experiencing four fatalities over five weeks.
This includes a 53-year-old man who attempted to save his children and their friends from drowning in turbulent waters.
Of the 11 deaths this year linked to swimming or watercraft activities, an alarming 10 did not have personal flotation devices securely fastened.
O’Rourke reiterated the risks posed by the unexpected cold-water shock one can experience in rapidly changing conditions.
“Even if it’s super hot on the surface, temperatures in the water can be significantly colder, leading to cramping and loss of breath,” she noted, stressing the lifesaving potential of a life jacket in such situations.
To enhance safety education, Colorado Parks and Wildlife commenced its campaign earlier this year in April, aiming to raise awareness about the state’s PFD legal requirements.
Under Colorado law, people utilizing boats shorter than 16 feet must have a PFD accessible for each individual on board, while those using boats longer than 16 feet need to have both a PFD for each person and a throwable device.
In addition, anyone using a personal watercraft, such as jet skis, or being towed behind a boat must be wearing a PFD.
To support these regulations, more warning signage has been placed at various reservoirs and state parks, while CPW staff actively reminds visitors of these laws.
Investment in digital advertising has also increased, following the launch of last summer’s campaign encouraging the use of life jackets during water activities.
The life jacket loaner program has expanded as well, with 48 stations available at 30 state park reservoirs and recreation areas, ensuring greater accessibility to life jackets for the public.
O’Rourke remarked on the scale of this program, stating, “There are 30-plus life jackets at each of those loaner stations. It’s the biggest it’s ever been.”
Moreover, alongside educational efforts, CPW rangers have adopted a stricter approach, issuing tickets to individuals who fail to comply with the PFD requirements.
As of July 10, 2023, the agency had given out 325 tickets, with numbers expected to rise following the busy Fourth of July weekend.
Each offense carries a $102.50 fine, and CPW has the authority to issue citations on any public water throughout Colorado.
A dedicated team, known as the Flywater Patrol, actively patrols these areas every summer weekend.
O’Rourke expressed a humble sentiment regarding the reduction in fatalities, saying, “We can’t take full credit, but boy, do we try throughout the summer to make sure that this number stays small.”
image source from：coloradosun
