20 hours ago
Water safety a priority with Colorado Parks and Wildlife
AURORA (KDVR) — Kayaking, canoeing, paddle boards, jet skis, motor boats, ski boats, even hydrofoils, all have two things in common. They are fun and potentially lethal.
'There is always a risk when you are out in the water. Just like anything you do recreational wise, when you are on a jet ski they go really fast and boats go really fast as well,' said CPW Parks Officer Lauren Shaw.
At Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado Parks and Wildlife rangers spend most of their days educating the public on water safety.
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'We are on foot patrol a lot on the shoreline here, checking even before you get on the water to make sure you have your life jackets with you. We also have to check in the parking lot before blowing up paddle boards, or maybe taking kayaks off the roof of the car,' said Shaw.
Of all the ways one can have fun on the water, jet skis can be the most dangerous, according to CPW.
'We have a lot of jet skis or personal watercraft, and they accelerate very fast and quick and so that is what we are keeping an eye on the most.' Said Shaw.
In addition to making contact with the public, CPW is hoping the public will make contact with the personal flotation devices that are being offered to use for free.
'These are from the Sea Tow Foundation. We were given a grant, so we have them for loaners for our park here, so if you forget them for the day, we can loan them out to you,' said Shaw.
Even with all the appropriate safety gear, dry suits, flotation devices and helmets, a little caution, they say, can save your life.
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