"Luck Favors the Prepared"

Life Jackets Save Lives!

Boating in Colorado... Clear blue skies, Majestic mountain panoramas...

I started this article last night as I looked out at the scene I began to describe above.  I didn't get too far before I was distracted by my two young girls who were playing nearby.  This morning I woke up to finish writing this article and began a quick internet search.  It didn't take long before I came across a tragic accident that occurred last night here in Colorado.  The headline read, "2 Drown, 1 Safe in Loveland Boating Accident."

I realize I am hypersensitive regarding water safety, but how do I instill even a small portion of that sensitivity into others.  I love the outdoors... I love the water.... I realize however, how quickly water can become a dangerous and unforgiving host.  Rarely does anyone set out on an adventure expecting the worst of scenarios to play out before them.  Most often we are excited and overcome with anticipation of what the day holds for us.  For us to act any other way paints us as worriers, over protective or plain not fun. Trust me... I've been labeled all of these and more.  I've also had the unfortunate responsibility to intervene during or after families have found themselves in tragic circumstances.

So, how do we get the message across that when you are boating you need to prepare for the unexpected?  Mario Vittone wrote an article back in December 2011 titled, "Thinking about safety all wrong."  I know Mario and can relate to his perspective.  Mario is a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer... at least for the time being.   He retires this year.  Mario has responded to numerous accidents related to boating in our oceans.  When I've heard him speak of some of his customers approach to the water, rarely was their approach well thought out in regard to preparedness for tragedy.  Most prepared for their day on the water as a brief interlude of relaxation followed by the rest of their lives safe on shore.

As an emergency responder, husband, father and water safety advocate, I'm here to tell you that a lack of sensitivity to the dangers of boating can be devastating.  Not only that, but the ripple from such a tragedy reaches well beyond the boater.  We all know that life jackets give us funny tan lines, make us sweat and are uncomfortable...  Much like bike helmets and seat belts, they are perceived as a nuisance.  But make no mistake, Life Jackets Save Lives!

I've looked into the eyes of a loved one and seen the sheer terror as he fell into the cold waters of a Colorado lake without a life jacket.  Life jackets do no good clipped to the back of the boat seat, or inside the compartment.  Once events change from pleasant to survival, putting on your life jacket is difficult if not impossible and simply too late.

I'm not trying to dampen your adventure, just provide you some insight.  Life Jackets do Save Lives, I've seen it first hand.  Life jackets can only do this if you wear them.  Protect yourself and your loved ones and whenever you are boating, prepare for the unexpected and enjoy many more boat outings in the future.  In the words of Edna Mode from The Incredibles, "Luck favors the prepared."

Wear your Life Jackets and I hope to see you on the water!  Visit the Colorado State Parks Boating Program Home Page for more safety tips.

Tim Woodward

Is Colorado really at risk for drowning?

When people think about drowning, typically they think about pools and the tragic drownings that take place in them or possible the ocean and it's horrible "Rip Currents."  Although the outdoor swimming season in Colorado is shorter than most states, drowning does happen here.  In fact, drowning is the #2 cause of accidental death of children under the age of 14.

In 2011 there were 36 reported drowning deaths in Colorado.  32 of those drownings happened in open waters such as reservoirs, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, creeks and drainages.  If we all took a moment we could all picture in our minds, one of these types of open water areas within only a few blocks from where we are sitting right now reading this blog.  A report from 1997 lists over 66,000 surface acres of water in the state of Colorado alone.

We know Coloradans love their outdoors.  And why shouldn't they?  It's beautiful here!  We boast nearly 300 sunny days on average each year.  The same is true for our young adventurers.  They love the beauty of this state, especially those areas where there is some cool refreshing water to stomp in, wade in or swim in.  These little ones live for the moment and rarely consider consequence.  Water is something to be explored and enjoyed in their little eyes.

Please remember a few rules to keep everyone safe around open water:

1. Wear Lifejackets when in or around water.  Lifejackets save countless lives each year when worn and worn right.
2. Keep Children at arms reach.  We all know these youngsters want to explore everything.  It only takes seconds for a child to slip beneath the water and be gone forever.
3. Swim only in designated areas.  Open waters hide many dangers such as swift current, drop-offs and entanglements.

Water safety is everyones responsibility.  Be an advocate for water safety and follow these simple rules.