STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) — On Saturday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) addressed an incident involving a possible drowning at Steamboat Lake State Park.
The Steamboat Park rangers received a call about an upturned boat in the water shortly after 3 p.m.
Upon the arrival of park rangers at the location, they allegedly observed an inverted small U-shaped inflatable floating vessel typically utilized for angling, commonly referred to as a “belly boat,” in the water without any visible indications of people in close proximity.
Park rangers allegedly discovered someone who was underwater, fastened to the vessel using a safety strap.
Park rangers extracted the victim from the water, where they were declared deceased at the location. According to CPW, the victim was not wearing a life vest.
Eyewitnesses stated that the victim was angling close to the Rainbow Ridge day-use zone on the western part of the park when the accident occurred. They also mentioned persistent winds accompanied by powerful bursts during the event.
The inquiry continues. The Routt County Coroner will disclose the victim’s identity and the reason for their passing.
CPW alerts the community that spring and early summer water activities can pose dangers. Although temperatures are rising, the water stays cold.
According to CPW, when someone enters cold water, they may swiftly undergo cold water shock, lose their capacity to swim, and face the danger of hypothermia.
CPW additionally advises community members to use a personal flotation device during water-based recreational activities, regardless of whether it’s mandated.
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