An angler died at Lake Pueblo State Park on May 30 after the boat they were on with two other people overturned in high winds.
In a May 31 news release, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials said two adults were able to swim to shore after the boat overturned, but the third angler initially could not be found. The victim, who has not yet been publicly identified by the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office, was recovered by CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team and Lake Pueblo rangers Saturday evening following a nearly 23-hour search.
“Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the victim,” Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joe Stadterman said in the release. “Any loss of life in our state parks is a terrible day. We thank the responding agencies for their work and park visitors for their patience during the operation.”
CPW was alerted to a capsized boat in Boggs Creek Cove around 8 p.m. Friday, according to the release.
The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and Pueblo West Fire Department responded with CPW to search for the missing angler, and multiple boats with sonar capabilities, an underwater robot, a drone to scan shorelines, and thermal cameras were used in the search.
The victim was finally recovered around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
CPW noted in its release that none of the three anglers were wearing life jackets when the boat capsized.
“Always wear a life jacket while boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and enjoying water recreation in Colorado. Lake Pueblo offers a free life jacket loaner station for any visitor,” CPW officials said in the release. “Weather conditions can change quickly at Lake Pueblo with sudden, strong wind gusts, and visitors are encouraged to check weather forecasts before heading outdoors.
The man’s drowning marks the second at Lake Pueblo in just over two weeks. On May 14, a man died at the lake’s Sailboard Beach after he went into the lake to help his children and their friends after he saw them struggling to swim in rough waters.
A sign warns life jackets are required to float down the Arkansas River below Lake Pueblo.
How to stay safe at Lake Pueblo this summer, according to CPW
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
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
Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Lake Pueblo sees second drowning in just over two weeks