Strong winds whipped across a Douglas County reservoir on a cold day and turned a routine outing into a frantic rescue, as 13 people were blown into the water and had to be pulled out by first responders. More than a dozen minors ended up being treated for hypothermia after the scare. Multiple agencies rushed to the scene to haul people ashore and get them checked out by medics. Authorities reported no fatalities in the immediate aftermath.
According to CBS News Colorado, rescue crews removed 13 people from the reservoir after gusts pushed the group into the water. The outlet reports that "over a dozen minors are being treated for hypothermia" following the incident. In a short video, first responders can be seen pulling people from the chilly water and helping them onto the shoreline for medical evaluation.
Why Cold Water Turns Dangerous Fast
Colorado Parks and Wildlife notes that cold-water immersion can overwhelm even confident swimmers in minutes, as shock and rapid loss of muscle control make it difficult to stay afloat without help. The Centers for Disease Control classifies hypothermia as a medical emergency, with warning signs that can include intense shivering, confusion, and slowed or shallow breathing.
Details Still Limited
The video from CBS does not identify which specific reservoir in Douglas County was involved, nor does it name which agencies led the response. The clip also does not include any on-camera statements from local officials detailing what the group had been doing before the winds kicked up or further explaining the conditions that pushed them into the water.
Safety Reminders
Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges anyone heading out on Colorado’s waters to keep a close eye on the forecast and to wear a personal flotation device, particularly on cold, windy days when smaller craft and paddle users can be quickly overwhelmed. If you see someone enter cold water, officials advise calling 911 immediately and, if it can be done safely, using a throwable flotation device or reaching out from shore instead of going into the water yourself.
