As the summer season kicks off and Coloradans flock to the state’s waterways, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is sounding the alarm on boating safety following a concerning rise in water-related deaths. Despite a slight decrease from the record high of 42 fatalities in 2022, last year’s 32 deaths and the four already recorded this year underscore the need for heightened vigilance.

CPW’s Boating Safety Program Manager, Grant Brown, stressed the importance of life jackets, noting their proven effectiveness in saving lives. “Regardless of age or experience, the data is clear: life jackets save lives,” Brown stated. This message is particularly crucial as the majority of drownings in previous years involved individuals not wearing life jackets.

National Safe Boating Week, starting May 18, serves as a timely reminder for boaters to prioritize safety. CPW is actively promoting safe boating practices and encouraging participation in “Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day” on May 17.

In addition to life jackets, CPW is highlighting a new law effective June 1st that prohibits motorboat operation by individuals under 18 unless they have completed an approved boating safety course. This law doesn’t apply to non-motorized vessels like kayaks and paddleboards, but life jacket requirements remain in effect.

CPW also warns of the dangers posed by cold water shock, a major factor in many drownings, and unpredictable weather conditions that can quickly turn a fun outing into a tragedy. The agency advises boaters to be prepared with proper safety gear, check weather conditions before heading out, and always wear a life jacket.

With the popularity of water-based recreation in Colorado showing no signs of waning, CPW’s emphasis on safety is a crucial reminder that enjoying the state’s natural beauty should never come at the cost of personal safety.

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