Adventure without accidents: Tips for safe Memorial Day weekend outdoor fun

Bridget O'Rourke
Statewide Public Information Officer
720-219-2919
[email protected]

DENVER ‒ Ahead of the holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages state park and state wildlife area visitors to act as stewards to help care for the state’s land, wildlife and water by balancing outdoor recreation with mindful conservation. 

Below are a few tips on how to recreate responsibly to help you have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience.   

Life Jackets Save Lives
The majority of water-related fatalities happen when people are swimming in cold water and paddle boarding or kayaking while not wearing a life jacket. 

• Wear a life jacket​. Regardless of age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency. So, wear a life jacket and protect yourself from the dangers of cold water shock. 
• Paddleboards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 
• Heavy rain or snow melting in nearby mountains can raise water levels quickly and without notice. Check river flows at https://dwr.state.co.us/Tools/Stations.
• Only boat or paddle in water conditions you are comfortable and confident in.
• Boat, raft with a buddy, and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.

“On the surface, rivers and streams can seem calm, warm, or shallow. But even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts can become victims to deceptively strong currents, cold water temperatures, and unexpected changes in depth,” said Michael Haskins, River Outfitter Licensing and Swiftwater Investigator. “You should always wear a life jacket, paddle with a buddy, know your limitations, and scout rapids before floating them.”

Know Before You Go
Colorado weather is famously unpredictable, with conditions changing constantly. In May, the state experiences melting snowpacks, muddy trails, thinning ice, cold water temperatures, and strong currents on reservoirs and rivers. This unpredictability underscores the importance of planning your outdoor activities with caution and preparedness.   

• Choose your location based on the weather forecast.
• Plan your visit with the 2025 Quick Guide to State Parks or the Colorado State Parks Guide (Guía De Los Parques Naturales).
• Camping reservations at Colorado state parks are required.
• Find park events and classes on the CPW Events Calendar.
• Download the free COTREX app to find trailheads and trail maps.
• Stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you (and your pet) will need.
• Bring layers of clothing for elevation and changing weather conditions.

Be a Pain in the ANS! 
Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are invasive species that damage bodies of water and impact industries and products like wine, corn, beer, peaches, drinking water and outdoor recreation. If you’re recreating in the water, you can be a Pain in the ANS — and stop the spread of invasive species.

• “Clean, drain and dry” your boat, wet equipment, waders and boots. 
• Find a map of CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Stations to decontaminate your gear.
• Use the green-seal program when entering and leaving a body of water. 

Keep Wildlife Wild
Early summer is a sensitive time for wildlife, as many species nest, birth young or emerge from hibernation. Animals such as coyotes, elk, moose and birds can become aggressive to defend their young. 

• Do not feed or approach young wildlife.
• Be ‘bear prepared’ on trails and while camping to help reduce human-bear conflicts.
• Keep dogs leashed on trails to prevent them from chasing wildlife.
• If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and ask a trained wildlife officer for guidance. 

Be Careful with Fire
Although parts of Colorado have received high moisture levels this year, drought conditions still impact whether campfires are allowed or restricted in certain areas.

• Check fire restrictions or bans at www.coemergency.com.
• Use designated campfire areas when allowed and available. 
• Put fires out with water until you can touch the embers.
• Never leave a campfire unattended. 

To schedule an interview with a CPW Public Information Officer about these safety tips, contact the CPW PIO in your region. If possible, please schedule interviews before Friday, May 23. 

Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Opt in to buy a $29 Keep Colorado Wild Pass with your next vehicle registration and get access to all Colorado state parks and help fund state park projects, local search and rescue teams and wildlife conservation. Learn more at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild and cpw.info/keepcoloradowildpassspanish.