A string of water-related deaths at Lake Pueblo is casting a somber shadow over Colorado’s early summer season, prompting urgent calls for increased water safety and life jacket use.

The most recent fatality occurred on June 7, when a man jumped into Rock Creek Cove to cool off. Witnesses say he quickly became unresponsive, and although emergency responders arrived within minutes, he was later pronounced dead. He was not wearing a life jacket.

Tragically, this is not an isolated incident. Since mid-May, three men have drowned at Lake Pueblo, all under similar circumstances—recreational outings cut short by sudden accidents, and none of the victims were wearing personal flotation devices:

– May 30: Derrick Lee Vigil, 28, drowned after strong winds capsized his fishing boat.
– May 14: Manuel DeJesus Villanueva Miranda, 53, died attempting to rescue children in distress.

Officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife are alarmed by the spike and are stressing a straightforward but often ignored message: wear a life jacket. The agency has installed life jacket loaner stations across Lake Pueblo, offering free access to ensure visitors stay safe on and in the water.

“This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about saving lives,” said one CPW official. “Every one of these deaths might have been prevented with a properly fitted flotation device.”

As temperatures climb and more Coloradans flock to the state’s lakes and reservoirs, safety officials are urging the public to remain vigilant. They remind everyone to check weather conditions, limit alcohol use, and above all else, always wear a life jacket—even strong swimmers aren’t immune to sudden currents, cold shock, or exhaustion.

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