Life jackets have once again proven to be lifesavers in a recent incident at Rampart Reservoir. As reported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, four paddleboarders, including two adults and two teens, were rescued after being thrown into the water due to unexpected wind and wave conditions this past Sunday afternoon.
Despite the 50-degree water temperatures in a reservoir that reaches depths of 180 feet, the use of life jackets played a crucial role in the positive outcome of the emergency. First responders from multiple agencies quickly converged on the scene, with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Teller County Sheriff's Office, Colorado Springs Fire Department, and North East Teller County Fire Protection District all participating in the response effort. Borrowing a citizen's vessel to search for them, deputies were able to rescue the paddlers whose decision to wear life jackets was applauded by CPW Area Wildlife Manager Tim Kroening. According to him, the majority of water-related deaths occur due to the lack of a life jacket.
The reservoir, a picturesque 500-acre body of water, boasts unique underwater rock formations and is managed by Colorado Springs Utilities. While the reservoir does not maintain a permanent safety or law enforcement presence, CPW representatives were on site the days before the incident, interacting with over 400 individuals to ensure compliance with safety protocols. Although there is no life jacket loaner station currently at Rampart Reservoir, CPW officials advocate wearing life jackets and advise the public that paddleboards and kayaks are subject to life jacket requirements.
As cited by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, paddlers should be aware of the risks associated with cold water shock and should only venture into waters they are comfortable with. Paddlesports participants are recommended to check river flows and be prepared for abrupt weather changes that could increase water levels. Echoing CPW's safety guidelines, they also suggest boating or rafting with a buddy, to "clean, drain, and dry" gear to avoid contaminating water bodies, and to refrain from consuming alcohol while on the water, as it magnifies the risks of cold-water immersion and impairs critical faculties necessary for safe boating.
