16-05-2025
Dad drowns trying to save his kids and their friends in rough waters on CO lake
A father died while trying to save two of his children and two of their friends swimming in rough waters on a frigid Colorado lake, officials said.
The 53-year-old man was found dead on a beach at Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a news release.
Park visitors saw him go under and went to pull him out, then took turns with park staff and medical personnel to give him CPR for about 40 minutes, officials said. The life-saving efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
He wasn't wearing a life jacket and the water temperature was cold in the upper 50s on a day with heavy winds, officials said.
The Pueblo County Coroner's office will identify him and determine the official cause of death, officials said.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminded park visitors to wear life jackets and 'be aware of the dangers of cold water shock.'
Water temperatures below 68 degrees Fahrenheit are considered dangerous, officials said.
'Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping, inhalation of water, and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb,' officials said.
Water levels can also raise quickly from heavy rain or snow melting off nearby mountains, officials said. Visitors can check river flows on the Colorado Division of Water Resources website.
