CPW responds to possible drowning at Steamboat Lake State Park
Rachael GonzalesNorthwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW CPW responds to possible drowning at Steamboat Lake State Park
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — Just after 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, park rangers at Steamboat Lake State Park responded to a call for an overturned watercraft in the water.
When park rangers arrived on scene, they saw a small U-shaped inflatable float tube used for fishing, often called a “bellyboat,” turned upside down in the water, with no signs of anyone nearby.
When park rangers responded to investigate, they found a person submerged underwater, secured to the bellyboat with a safety strap that was part of the inflatable. Park rangers removed the victim from the water, where they were pronounced dead on the scene. The victim was not wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), also commonly referred to as a life vest or jacket.
The body was turned over to the Routt County Coroner, who will release the identity of the victim and the cause of death.
The investigation is still ongoing. Witnesses reported the victim was fishing near the Rainbow Ridge day-use area on the west side of the park. Steady winds with strong gusts were reported at the time of the incident.
“The incident yesterday is tragic, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the victim's family and friends,” said David Goff, Park Ranger at Steamboat Lake State Park. “We continue to urge everyone to pay close attention to weather conditions and to wear a PFD while recreating on the water.”
Spring and early summer water recreation can be dangerous due to frigid water temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions. While the weather is warming up, the water remains very cold. When a person enters cold water, they can quickly experience cold water shock, losing the ability to swim, and face the risk of hypothermia. Colorado Parks and Wildlife 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.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
DISCLAIMER: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website maintains press releases containing historical information that may no longer be accurate. Press releases are dated, which should be noted to determine whether the information provided is current. Please review our current regulations and brochures for up-to-date information.