Colorado is seeing fewer water-related fatalities so far this summer — and officials are crediting increased safety awareness, especially around life jacket use, for the decline.
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), about 10 people have died in water recreation incidents this year, a significant drop from the 32 deaths reported in each of the past two summers and the record-setting 42 in 2022. Officials hope to keep that trend going during the busy Fourth of July weekend, when lakes and reservoirs typically fill with boaters, swimmers, and paddleboarders.
“These Aren’t Swimming Pools”
“Our reservoirs and lakes are not the same as swimming in a swimming pool. We don’t have lifeguards watching,” said CPW spokesperson Bridget O’Rourke. “You need to take responsibility for your outdoor recreation.”
Colorado’s waters, particularly high-altitude lakes and reservoirs, often contain ice-cold snowmelt, posing a serious risk even to strong swimmers. O’Rourke emphasized that cold-water shock — a sudden, involuntary reaction to freezing temperatures — can quickly rob a person of breath and mobility, making a life jacket truly life-saving.
Majority of Deaths Involve No Life Jacket
National data underscores the risk. Nearly 89% of water-recreation deaths involve individuals not wearing a life jacket, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
This year’s Colorado fatalities include incidents at Lake Pueblo, Steamboat Lake, and Spinney Mountain State Park. In every case, the victims were not wearing life jackets:
-
A man jumped into Lake Pueblo to cool off and never resurfaced
-
Two anglers at Lake Pueblo drowned in separate accidents
-
A man’s inflatable boat flipped in high winds at Steamboat Lake
-
A canoe capsized at Spinney Mountain State Park
“Life jackets are essential,” O’Rourke said. “If your boat flips, or weather changes suddenly, they keep your head above water.”
Life Jackets Are Required—And Free to Borrow
By law, all boaters and paddleboarders must carry a life jacket in Colorado. Failing to do so can result in a $100 fine. So far in 2025, CPW has issued over 325 citations for life jacket violations.
Many parks offer free life jacket loaner programs, especially during peak summer months. Officials strongly encourage all water-goers — especially children and inexperienced swimmers — to take advantage of them.
With a busy holiday ahead, CPW hopes Coloradans and visitors alike will remain cautious while enjoying the state’s natural beauty.
“We really want people to be safe and have fun,” O’Rourke said. “Colorado is amazing.”
Leave a Reply