Water Safety
Water Safety in Colorado
In 2023, Colorado had 32 water-related deaths, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife unofficial records.
In 2022, a record 42 people died in water-related incidents, nearly double from the 22 deaths in 2021. This is being attributed to people not wearing lifejackets.
Colorado's unpredictable weather also plays a part - boats are easily capsized on lakes once the wind picks up. Make sure everyone is wearing a lifejacket even if they don't anticipate going in the water. Colorado's weather ensures that you may not have a choice.
Anywhere there is water there is risk of drowning.
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Don’t use alcohol or drugs (including certain prescription meds) before or while swimming, diving or supervising swimmers.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, paddle-boarding, or fishing, even if you don’t intend to enter the water.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
- Alert the lifeguard, if one is present.
- Rescue and remove the person from the water (without putting yourself in danger).
Ask someone to call emergency medical services (EMS). If alone, give 2 minutes of care, then call EMS. Begin rescue breathing and CPR. Use an AED if available and transfer care to advanced life support once EMS arrives.
Visit our Classes Page to sign up for CPR/First Aid Classes with South Metro's Safety Foundation.
Ice Safety
Colorado weather varies so much during the winter, it is very rare for any body of water to be frozen enough to be safe to walk on. Looks can be deceiving! Do not trust that it will hold you or your pet.
Click Here For Colorado Parks & Wildlife Ice Safety
Hear from South Metro's Dive Team