PUEBLO, COLORADO – In a tragic incident at Lake Pueblo State Park, a combined effort by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) park rangers and Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office divers resulted in the recovery of a swimmer’s body late Saturday night. The swimmer had been reported missing earlier that evening off the lake’s north shore.
The emergency call was received at approximately 8:15 p.m., prompting an immediate search operation. CPW rangers deployed a sonar device and an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with lights and a camera to assist in the search.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Volunteer divers from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office joined the effort, launching from the Sailboard Beach area west of the dam, which was the last reported location of the swimmer. A grid search ensued, with divers exploring several submerged objects over the course of three hours.
At around 11 p.m., the divers located the body approximately 75 feet from the shore in water about 6 feet deep. The body was subsequently recovered and handed over to the Pueblo County Coroner for official identification, notification of the family, and determination of the cause of death.
Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joe Stadterman extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends, emphasizing the importance of safety measures while in or near water. “They have our deepest sympathies,” Stadterman said. “We hate seeing a life lost so tragically. This is another sad example of the importance of wearing life jackets when you are in or even near the water.”
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
This incident marks the 17th water-related death in Colorado in 2024, according to CPW’s unofficial count. In 2023, there were 32 such deaths, and the record for water-related fatalities stands at 42 in 2022.
Water Safety Tips
To prevent similar tragedies, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers the following water safety tips:
- Always Wear a Life Jacket: Regardless of swimming ability, everyone should wear a life jacket when in or near water. It can save lives in unexpected situations.
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination, making accidents more likely.
- Swim with a Buddy: Never swim alone. Having a companion can provide immediate assistance in an emergency.
- Know Your Limits: Avoid pushing beyond your physical limits. Fatigue can set in quickly, especially in open water.
- Be Aware of Weather Conditions: Sudden changes in weather can create dangerous water conditions. Check the forecast and be prepared to leave the water if conditions worsen.
- Learn CPR: In the event of an accident, knowing CPR can make a critical difference while waiting for emergency responders.
By following these safety guidelines, we can reduce the number of water-related tragedies and ensure that everyone enjoys Colorado’s beautiful water bodies safely.
RECENT MOUNTAIN NEWS
