More than 2 million people visit Chatfield State Park every year. During the summer, the park can see up to 10,000 visitors on its busiest days — and while there is a lot of fun to be had, that fun can end in an instant if something goes wrong.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. — More than 2 million people visit Chatfield State Park every year. During the summer, the park can see up to 10,000 visitors on its busiest days — and while there is a lot of fun to be had, that fun can end in an instant if something goes wrong.
"Being on the water just generally carries that risk, and you should take it seriously," Senior Ranger at Chatfield State Park Kyle Weber said. While people at Chatfield State Park are ready for some summer fun, safety is top of mind for many visitors.
"Water safety is incredibly important," beachgoer Ellie Trieu said. Josh Westphal echoed that sentiment.
"You never know when catastrophe is going to happen, so you just got to be prepared for it," he said. For Westphal and his family, wearing a life vest is non-negotiable.
"You cannot go out in the water without it. It's family rule," Westphal explained. Over Memorial Day weekend, South Metro Fire Rescue and Colorado Parks and Wildlife conducted two water rescues. Public Information Officer Brian Willie said fortunately, the victim had a life jacket in both cases.
Willie said he notices some people underestimate the water.
"The one thing that we don't want to see is that regulated life jacket protecting the board, the paddle board," he said. "The paddle boards float, they don't need the life jacket sitting on them, we need those life jackets on the people wearing them. " Willie encourages everyone to stay alert on the water. "We always want to say have a water watcher, have somebody that is watching you or the kids," Willie said.
"Have a reference point that if somebody does go underwater, have that last seen point that you can tell the responders," he added. It is something Trieu said she and her friends always practice.
"We usually go out on the water with groups; we don't go individually," Trieu said. While the weather Saturday is picturesque, Willie is also reminding people that conditions can change in an instant.
"We're going to have some severe thunderstorms that may come through, they roll through, that wind picks up, it changes the water, it changes the way everything happens," Willie said. Coloradans making a difference | Denver7 featured videos Denver's Cool Homes program brings free A/C to vulnerable residents DIA international flights could be halted under floated DHS plan Kindergartners surprised with free bikes funded by DPS climate grant As pool season begins, Denver officials warn of unlicensed pools Lyons hits housing goal, pushes for hotel and more trails Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community by standing up for what's right, listening, lending a helping hand and following through on promises. See that work in action, in the videos above.
Chatfield State Park Colorado Parks & Wildlife Life Jacket Safety South Metro Fire Rescue Summer Swimming Douglas Ounty Water Safety
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