Crews search for paddleboarder in 11 Mile Reservoir (Hartsel Fire Protection District)
A paddleboarder died after falling off a shared paddleboard at a Colorado reservoir Friday, marking the second paddleboarding death at the reservoir in nine days.
It happened at 11-Mile Reservoir in Park County, about an hour west of Colorado Springs.
11-Mile Reservoir drowning
What we know:
According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, officers responded Friday afternoon to reports of two men falling off a paddleboard in the 11-Mile Reservoir. A bystander helped to rescue one of the men before help arrived. Several hours later, the body of the second man, a 28-year-old, was found.
What we don't know:
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but authorities say alcohol and weather may have been contributing factors. They haven’t released the victim’s name.
Dig deeper:
The Park County Sheriff’s Office says the drowning is the second death at the reservoir in nine days. The first victim was 67 years old.
What they're saying:
"Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends who are now facing an unimaginable loss," the Park County Sheriff’s Office said in a social media post. "We hope they find comfort and peace during this incredibly difficult time.
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"These tragedies affect far more people than just the victims and their loved ones. 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.
"While we cannot change what has happened, we can use these tragedies as a reminder.
If you are heading out onto one of Park County's beautiful reservoirs this summer-whether you're boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the water please take water safety seriously."
File image: Paddleboards along a lake (Getty Images)
Paddleboarding safety tips
What you can do:
The Park County Sheriff’s Office recommends the following actions to stay safe while paddleboarding:
- Wear a life jacket. And don't just have one on board, wear it. Make sure it is the proper size, fits correctly, and is appropriate for the activity and conditions.
- Stay sober. Alcohol and other impairing substances can dramatically affect judgment, balance, reaction time, and the ability to respond to an emergency.
- Respect the weather and the water. If the wind picks up, conditions can change quickly. Lightweight watercraft, including paddleboards and kayaks, can become extremely difficult to control in strong winds and waves. If conditions look unsafe, don't go out or get off the water.
- Keep an eye on one another. Never assume someone else is watching your children or your group. Stay close, communicate, and know where everyone is.
- Have a way to call for help. 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.
- Know your limitations. Cold water, altitude, wind, waves, and exhaustion can turn a fun day on the water into an emergency very quickly. Don't overestimate your ability or underestimate the water.
The Source: This report includes information from Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Park County Sheriff’s Office.