Colorado Officials Warn of Deadly Rivers

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is warning people who want to get on rivers and lakes that at this point in time, it’s extremely dangerous. A huge snowpack and rapidly rising temperatures are combining to make for very fast, very big waterways.

So far this year there have 12 water-related deaths (although one outlet reported 15 deaths.)

“Early-season deaths on Colorado’s rivers, lakes are alarming, state officials say,” notes a headline in the Denver Post .

Clear Creek Restrictions

While all Colorado waterways are of concern to rescue organizations, Clear Creek is getting extra attention. A rafter died on the creek on July 2. Another person died on July 5, while tubing. Three others were injured.

So, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (Jefferson County includes Foothill areas like Conifer, Evergreen, and Golden) is limiting waterway activities on Clear Creek. The restrictions cover Clear Creek from the western boundary of unincorporated Jefferson County through the eastern limits of the City of Golden. The restrictions include Golden’s Vanover Park.

The restrictions went into place on June 5.

“ Water activities prohibited by the order include all single-chambered air inflated devices such as belly boats, inner tubes and single chambered rafts, as well as body surfing and swimming,” according to the order.

Clear Creek is well-known in Colorado for being a wild and deadly river.

“Kayaks, whitewater canoes and multi-chambered professionally guided rafts, and river boards are exempt but are encouraged to observe extreme caution due to the safety concerns surrounding swift moving water and floating debris,” the order said. “All of the above authorized users and occupants must have the use of a Type I, Type III, or Type V Coast Guard-approved flotation vests and helmets designed for water use."

The reasons for this restrictions are as follows:

“• Clear Creek is a known Type IV water area, which increases public risk due to water temperature, blasted rock, undercut rocks, potential strainers, and other safety considerations,” the order says.

“• Water height and flows are expected to rise as the heavy snowpack continues to melt in the coming days.

“Violators may be issued a summons for a Class 2 petty offense, punishable by a fine of up to $100. These restrictions will be strictly enforced in an effort to minimize the risk to those using the waterway.”

The restrictions will stay in effect until water levels go down. For more information visit www.jeffco.us/650/Sheriff for updates.

New Boating Age Law (18)

Meanwhile, Colorado has established a new law that raises the age of boat operators.

The law changes “the age requirements to operate a motorboat in Colorado,” according to CPW.

“The new law prohibits the operation of a motorboat, including a personal watercraft (PWC, jet ski, ski-doo), by a person who is less than 18 years of age. A person who is at least 14 years of age but less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat if the person has completed a boating safety course approved by CPW and possesses a boating safety certificate issued by the boating safety course provider.”

“This boating age law does not apply to non-motorized vessels such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, but life jacket requirements still apply,” the CPW notes.

The law went into effect on June 1, 2024.

Cold Water Boating Recommendations

Cold water boating is especially dangerous. So, CPW has put together some suggestions:

• "Always wear a properly fitted life jacket. A life jacket will help keep your airway clear of water and keep you floating if you start to numb. (It happens a lot faster than you may realize.)
• Dress for the weather. Consider wetsuits or layer your clothing to reduce loss of body temperature should you end up in the water.

• Avoid boating alone, but in any case let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Bring a cell phone or VHF radio in a watertight bag in case you need to call for help.
• Properly equip and carry essential safety gear, signaling devices and whistles.
• Don’t use alcohol.
• Bring something along to help you get back in your boat in case you fall out."