CPW investigates third apparent drowning at Lake Pueblo in less than a month
CPW rangers responded at 2:11 p.m. June 7 to a report of an unconscious man who had allegedly jumped into Rock Creek Cove because "they were hot," according to witnesses. Nearby witnesses who were swimming and skiing soon saw the man floating unconscious, and with the help of a nearby boater, pulled the man into the boat and began CPR before calling 911.
CPW rangers arrived within six minutes, and one of the rangers jumped into the boat transporting the victim and took over CPR. The boat drove to the North Boat Ramp, where CPR continued. A Flight for Life helicopter landed at the park, but the victim was already deceased.
The Pueblo County Coroner is investigating the official cause of death. The victim was not wearing a life jacket, according to a press release.
'This death is under investigation, but it appears to be a tragic accident,' said Lake Pueblo Park Manager Joe Stadterman, according to the release. 'We offer our condolences to the family and friends of this victim.'
Stadterman said in the release that the death is especially troubling given all the efforts by his team to raise awareness of water safety with park guests.
CPW officers installed two life-jacket loaner stations at Lake Pueblo State Park where lake users can borrow a life jacket for free. The stations are located at the South Fishing and Sailboard areas.
'This is yet another heartbreaking loss of life,' he said. 'It underscores the message we have been stressing to recreate responsibly and to wear life preservers when on or near the water."
This is the third apparent drowning in under a month at Lake Pueblo. Derrick Lee Vigil, 28, drowned when his fishing boat capsized at Lake Pueblo on May 30, according to the Pueblo County Coroner's Office. On May 14, Manuel DeJesus Villanueva Miranda, 53, died after he went into the lake to help his two children and their friends as they struggled to swim in rough waters.
None of the victims were wearing life jackets at the time of their apparent drownings.
Wear a life jacket.
Put a whistle on your jacket so you can call for help.
Be aware of your surroundings — the water gets deep quickly.
Be aware of the weather, high winds and storms can come up fast.
Check your boat and all required boating safety gear.
Avoid boating alone and tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Boat sober. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.
Know that stand-up paddleboards are considered vessels in Colorado and require a life jacket on board at all times.
Protect yourself from the dangers of cold water immersion and shock. Regardless of your age or experience level, cold water can quickly create a drowning emergency.
More on Lake Pueblo water safety: Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges water safety at Lake Pueblo this summer
Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: CPW investigating apparent drowning at Lake Pueblo, the third in 3 weeks
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