Christina Hovater
HEALTH EDUCATOR
Delta County Public Health
Making a Splash Safely: Your Guide to Summer Water Safety
As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, residents across Delta County are gearing up for one of our favorite seasonal pastimes: hitting the water. Whether you’re planning a relaxing afternoon of paddleboarding at Confluence Park, boating with the family at Sweitzer Lake State Park, or exploring the winding paths of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre Rivers, safety should always be your first priority.
At the top of the safety checklist, Lifejackets. According to boating experts, the vast majority of water-related tragedies can be prevented simply by wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Here is what you need to know about life jacket safety before you launch your boat, raft, or paddleboard this season.
Know the Colorado Life Jacket Laws
Colorado takes water safety seriously. If you’re heading out to the lakes or rivers, keep these Colorado rules in mind:
One for Everyone: Every vessel (which includes kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards) must have a properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jacket readily accessible for each person on board.
Kids under 13: Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket whenever their vessel is on the water, except when they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
Inflatable Life Jackets: Inflatable life jackets are approved for use by people 16 years and older. They are not approved for personal watercraft, white water paddling or towed sports
Fit and Function Matter
Simply having a life jacket on board isn’t enough; it needs to fit properly and be in serviceable conditions.
Check the fit: A life jacket should fit snugly. If you pull up on the shoulders of the jacket and it slides up over the wearer’s chin or ears, it’s too loose. It should be appropriately sized for the weight of the intended user.
Inspect the Condition: Before packing your gear for a day at the lake, check your life jackets for tears, broken zippers, or brittle foam. Sun and age can degrade the buoyancy materials, so discard and replace any PFDs that show heavy wear and tear. Never use a life jacket as a kneeling pad or boat fender, as this compresses and ruins the foam.
Read the Label: Ensure the life jacket is explicitly “U.S. Coast Guard Approved” and appropriate for your activity.
Respect the Local Waters
Water conditions in our local rivers and lakes can change rapidly. Spring runoff can make the Gunnison River cold, fast, and unpredictable, and afternoon winds can whip up sudden chop on open water.
The best way to keep your family safe is to lead by example. When adults wear their life jackets, kids are much more likely to keep theirs on without a fuss. This summer, enjoy all the incredible water recreation Delta County has to offer. Pack the sunscreen, bring plenty of drinking water, and make sure everyone has a life jacket that fits securely. Stay safe and have a fantastic summer on the water!
Delta County Public Health
255 W. 6th St.
Delta, Colorado 81416
970-874-2165
Delta County Public Health | 255 W 6th St. | Delta, CO 81416 US
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