To increase water safety, Lake Pueblo State Park announced the launch of their free day-use life jacket stations at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Sailboard Beach today. The new stations promise to readily equip visitors with proper flotation devices, addressing a critical safety need underscored by the four drownings that occurred at the park this year, all victims who reportedly were not wearing life jackets. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the life jacket stations were installed in late May on Sailboard Beach and South Fishing Beach.
Park Manager Joe Stadterman stressed the project's significance, stating, "Life jackets save lives, and the constant availability of free day-use life jackets for all visitors is an important part of ongoing safety efforts at Lake Pueblo State Park," as obtained by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In alignment with this initiative, the park also introduced several campaigns to encourage and reward the use of life jackets, particularly among the youth. However, the park's efforts do not aim to just passively provide safety equipment; rangers are patrolling actively to ensure that life jackets are being used correctly by park-goers.
The creation of these stations has been made possible through a partnership that features funding from various committed organizations, including the Cole Mika Fund the Drennen's Dreams Foundation, with support from Children's Hospital Colorado. Representatives from these organizations were present during the ceremony to express their support and to advocate for the crucial cause of water safety.
Media personnel who attended the ribbon cutting were informed to coordinate with Dean Miller, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Southeast Region Public Information Officer. In preparation for events such as today's, the park ensures to provide additional information, including guidelines for proper life jacket usage and sizes available in their public announcements. Adult, youth, and infant-size jackets are available at the stations and are expected to be returned before visitors leave the park.
