Sheriff Pleads with Water Users to Wear Proper Life Jackets
Trevor Phipps
In mid-June, state officials already started to warn area residents and tourists about water safety after 18 people had died in Colorado’s rivers, streams and reservoirs.
Unfortunately, that number has now increased with a hike in reported poor boat safety habits on waterways.
In July, it was reported that three people had drowned at Cherry Creek Reservoir near Denver in a matter of six weeks. Then in August, water-related tragedies hit closer to home when two people drowned at 11 Mile Reservoir west of Lake George in an eight-day span.
With the recent water-related tragedies, officials are now asking those recreating in the state’s water bodies to exercise extreme caution. Moreover, they stress the importance of always wearing a life jacket when out on the water, regardless of what type of watercraft they are using.
The first deadly incident on 11 Mile Reservoir occurred on August 6. At around 3:30 p.m., first responders arrived at the reservoir after receiving calls that a man in a kayak had flipped over during high winds.
Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers responded and quickly pulled the unconscious man out of the reservoir and to the shore. First responders then conducted CPR on the man for about an hour. However, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Officials pronounced the man dead at approximately 4:30 p.m. The Park County Coroner’s office later identified the man as Paul Scanlon, 67, of Arvada.
“While the man was wearing a life jacket, it did not fit properly and covered the man’s face after he fell into the reservoir,” CPW said in a press release. “CPW recommends using a Coast Guard approved life jacket while recreating on the water in Colorado. Life jackets should be buckled or zipped, fitting snugly around the abdomen to prevent the device from slipping.”
Then just eight days later tragedy struck again. On August 14, authorities were alerted at 3:40 p.m. that two men had fallen off a paddle board that they were sharing
Once first responders arrived on scene, they talked to one of the men on the paddle board who was rescued by a Good Samaritan. The other individual was unaccounted for.
“CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team was deployed as was Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Dive Rescue team,” CPW reported in a press release. “After several hours of searching using sonar, the body of the missing individual was located at approximately 10:45 p.m. and recovered shortly after. This incident is still under investigation, but alcohol and weather may have been factors in the accident.”
CPW said that there was a life jacket on the paddle board, which is required by law. However, neither of the two men on the paddle board were wearing the jacket when they fell off.
“CPW reminds everyone to wear a personal flotation device while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and enjoying water recreation in Colorado, even when it is not required,” CPW stated. “Life jackets truly save lives, and the majority of water-related deaths occur because people do not wear them.”
Taking Water Safety Seriously; Alcohol and Boat Management Don’t Mix
After responding to the two fatal water incidents within a short period, the Park County Sheriff’s Office made a social media post saying that their “hearts are heavy” after dealing with the two deaths. They sent their condolences to those dealing with the “unimaginable loss” while also offering safety tips.
“These tragedies affect far more people than just the victims and their loved ones,” the sheriff’s office stated in the social media post. “In both incidents, innocent bystanders put their own lives at risk trying to help. Witnesses were forced to experience something they will likely never forget, and our first responders were once again placed in the difficult position of responding to heartbreaking and traumatic circumstances.”
The first tip offered was to always wear a jacket and not just satisfy the law by having it on board. They also said to make sure it is the right size, it fits correctly and it is appropriate for the type of activity.
The sheriff’s office also advised people to stay sober when out on the water in a boat or other watercraft. “Alcohol and other impairing substances can dramatically affect judgment, balance, reaction time, and the ability to respond to an emergency,” the sheriff’s office stated. “Save the drinks for when you’re safely back on shore.”
They also reminded everyone to respect the weather and remember that water conditions can change quickly, especially when the wind picks up. The sheriff’s office says to watch the wind and weather conditions closely and refrain from going out on a paddle board or kayak when the weather looks unsafe.
They also say to keep an eye on one another in a group and to stay close and communicate with one another. “Have a way to call for help,” the sheriff’s office said. “Keep your phone or other communication device protected from the water and accessible in an emergency. Know where you are and be prepared to provide your location to 911.”
