Colorado Parks and Wildlife said an alarming number of people have died in water-related accidents this season, the latest happening in Larimer County.
And that death toll could be much higher if not for rescue efforts.
The number of fatalities and rescues is expected to rise with the busy Fourth of July weekend, a heavy water recreation holiday, and thunderstorm season with capsizing gusty winds still to come.
Kara Van Hoose, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesperson, said the agency isn't tasked with keeping water-related deaths but that the agency unofficially keeps track. The agency believes the number of water-related deaths to be approaching 20 statewide on rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
"It's an alarming number,'' Van Hoose told the Coloradoan on Friday. "We can't stress enough that people need to wear life vests and take precautions when out on the water.''
In 2023, Colorado had 32 water-related deaths, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife unofficial records.
In 2022, a record 42 people died in water-related incidents, nearly double from the 22 deaths in 2021.
Latest water-related fatality involved a Fort Collins man
The latest fatality was discovered June 26 when searchers found the body of a 24-year-old Fort Collins man in Lon Hagler Reservoir west of Loveland, according to a Larimer County Sheriff's Office news release.
The name, cause and manner of the death will be released by the Larimer County Coroner's Office at a later date.
The man was kayaking on the reservoir Tuesday and had spoken to a family member that afternoon. He indicated he was on the water but was unheard from after that.
Around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, a family member reported to the Larimer County Emergency Communications Center that the man was overdue.
Larimer County sheriff deputies located the man's vehicle in the Lon Hagler Reservoir north parking lotWednesday morning and began a search of the area.
During the search, it was learned a recreator had located the kayak on shore late Tuesday night. Thinking it was accidentally left there, the person took it home so it wouldn’t get stolen and contacted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to report finding it.
When the body was found, a life vest was not located with him. Foul play is not suspected, according to the news release.
Anyone in the area of Lon Hagler Reservoir on Tuesday evening and who has not yet spoken toinvestigators is asked to call Investigator Marcus Simelane at (970) 498-5515.
It was the second water-related fatality of the season in Larimer County. A 20-year-old Fort Collins woman died May 30 while rafting the Poudre River.
Crazy rescue at Chatfield Reservoir saved eight people after strong wind capsized multiple vessels
South Metro Fire Rescue in Denver reported on its Facebook account, a rescue occurred around 7 p.m. Thursday at Chatfield Reservoir at Chatfield State Park in the southwest Denver metro area.
A thunderstorm rolled through the area, producing strong wind and lightning,
Initially four individuals on paddleboards were reported stranded in the water after strong winds pushed them into a stand of cottonwood trees, according to the Facebook post.
Its dive team was able to rescue the four paddleboarders without any reported injuries.
But the rescuing was far from over.
While the paddleboard rescue was taking place, a distress call was received at 7:40 p.m. that two individuals and their two dogs on paddleboards were struggling to reach the shore.
A civilian boat with two passengers rescued the paddleboarders and their dogs.
But around 8 p.m. that boat carrying the rescued individuals and dogs capsized en route to the north boat ramp.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger boat rescued the four adults and two dogs from the water without any reported injuries.
South Metro Fire Rescue stated on its Facebook page: "The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of wearing life vests during water activities and staying vigilant of sudden weather changes.''
A similar event involving paddleboarders and strong wind occurred on Horsetooth Reservoir's Satanka Cover on June 2, as previously reported by the Coloradoan.
Life vests, keeping an eye on the weather critical to staying safe on Colorado's waters
Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates about 90% of those who die on Colorado's waters are not wearing a life vest.
Another threat is summer afternoon thunderstorms that can quickly build, catching those on lakes and reservoirs off guard, resulting in capsized vessels in cold water.
Here are water safety tips:
- Wearing a properly fitted personal flotation device is the best way to stay safe. Children age 12 and younger are required by law to wear a PFD at all times. PFDs also are required onboard paddle boards and kayaks.
- Avoid alcohol or marijuana. Public consumption is against the law, and impairment can create serious safety risks.
- Check the forecast and keep an eye on the weather. Be ready for sudden high winds and have an exit strategy.
- Bring extra layers of clothing and rain gear. Water temperature is deceptively cold.
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.
- On a river, have a float plan, making sure you know where low-head dams and dangerous strainers are located as well as safe pullouts.
- Bring a cellphone in a watertight container. If you have an emergency but cannot call for help, try texting 911 for help.
- Bring a whistle. State and federal regulations require vessels to have a sound-producing device onboard.
- Lost tubes, kayaks and paddles can cause concern if found without names and contact information. Make sure your equipment includes contact information, which can help first responders reach the owner and confirm their safety.
- Take a boating safety class. Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a state-approved course to safely operate a motorized vessel in Colorado. You can register online.
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