Under the blistering sun, people sought relief in the water at Chatfield Reservoir on Monday. It is a popular spot to cool off, but water can have its dark side, too.
“Water – as placid and as pristine as it is – it’s very soothing and calming, but the reality is it comes with some serious significance and it can be dangerous,” said Matt Robbins with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
On Friday, Dr. Hope Cassel, 45, – along with her three boys and a friend of theirs – were on paddleboards at the reservoir.
A storm suddenly moved over them, with heavy rain, lightning and hail. All of the boys made it back to shore. Dr. Cassel did not and was found unresponsive, wearing a lifering that had not been inflated. She was rushed to the hospital and died Sunday night.
“I think all of us are quite familiar with those afternoon storms that come in all so quickly off of the mountains and they can come in,” Robbins said. “And if you get pushed away or pulled away from shore on a watercraft, or if you’re out there and you’re trying to paddle back in and all of a sudden the storms come in, it could cause for some serious concern.”
As it did in Dr. Cassel’s case.
With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging everyone to wear a flotation device whenever they’re out on the water.
“Wear those all the time, rather than waiting for the time when you think you may need them,” Robbins said.
Rangers say one of the top dangers, especially during the upcoming July 4 holiday weekend, is drinking and boating. So, they plan to keep an eye out on anyone who may be intoxicated out on the water, particularly those on motorized watercraft.
“It is a large part of the enforcement that we do on the water,” said Ben Vinci, a senior ranger at Chatfield. “There’s a time and a place for alcohol and boating just isn’t it.”
It’s all in an effort to make sure everyone who wants to enjoy the water can – safely.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages 42 state parks. They said campsites at half of them are at capacity for this weekend and they are urging extra caution on the water because of the crowds.
