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.