BUENA VISTA, COLORADO – Tragedy struck on the Arkansas River near Buena Vista yesterday when two inflatable kayaks capsized in swift, cold waters, leaving one man dead despite frantic rescue efforts.
According to a press release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the incident occurred at around 3:15 p.m. when two private boaters were navigating the river in inflatable kayaks. One kayaker managed to swim safely to shore, but the second boater lost consciousness after capsizing. A quick-thinking bystander, using their own kayak, pursued the unconscious victim and eventually brought them to shore near Johnsons Village, south of Buena Vista.
Despite immediate CPR efforts and a rapid response from Chaffee County Fire, Chaffee County EMS, the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, and CPW’s Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) rangers, the 35-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene by the Chaffee County Coroner.
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Tom Waters, park manager for the AHRA, expressed his condolences, saying, “Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim. This appears to be a tragic accident.” Waters noted that both kayakers were wearing appropriate safety equipment, including dry suits, personal flotation devices, and helmets. At the time of the accident, river conditions included a water temperature of 52 degrees, a flow rate of 1,780 cubic feet per second, and cloudy weather with scattered showers.
The incident underscores the inherent risks associated with navigating the Arkansas River, especially during the swift spring and early summer runoff. Waters urged paddlers to check current conditions before launching by calling the AHRA office and to consider hiring a commercial rafting outfitter if they’re unfamiliar with the river’s challenges.
For more information on river safety and to check current conditions, visit the AHRA’s website.
Lessons Learned and Safety Tips
This accident highlights the importance of:
Checking river conditions before entering the water. Even well-prepared boaters can face unexpected hazards in changing currents.
Using the proper safety equipment, which both kayakers did in this case.
Recognizing the limitations of personal skill and experience in swiftwater conditions.
Staying within designated skill levels and considering guided trips through licensed commercial outfitters for those less familiar with river sections.
For whitewater safety resources, visit CPW’s Whitewater Safety page.
Support Search and Rescue Efforts
This incident also serves as a reminder of the critical role played by search and rescue teams. You can support these efforts by purchasing a COSAR card and by buying a Keep Colorado Wild Pass when registering your vehicle.
Stay safe out there.
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