(PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) — After three deaths on Lake Pueblo in the past month, many people have been wondering how safe it is to take part in recreational activities on the reservoir. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), Lake Pueblo is no more dangerous than other reservoirs in Colorado, but precautions should be taken to enjoy the water activities.

CPW stated that over the past five years, there has been at least one water-related death each year at the reservoir, and most of them occur when people are not wearing life jackets.

According to CPW, one of the main factors that can make the lake dangerous to swimmers and boaters is the temperature. The area around the reservoir is hot, making the surface of the water feel warm, but not far underneath it can be very cold. When a swimmer dives in or a boat overturns, the shock of the water can cause a person’s muscles to cramp up, making it difficult to swim. Because of this, if a person is far from the shore, they will have increased difficulty making it back.

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The number one safety precaution people can take when planning water activities at Lake Pueblo is to wear a Life jacket. According to CPW, a lifejacket can keep a person’s head above the water if they fall in, potentially preventing them from drowning, and giving people nearby the chance to find the person and help.

Courtesy: Lake Pueblo State Park

CPW emphasized that there are life jacket loaner stations located at the South Fishing area and the Sailboard area. They are free to borrow and return, so guests don’t need to have life jackets of their own to wear.

CPW also stated that there are no lifeguards at the reservoir, so swimming is at your own risk. It is safer to keep swimming activities limited to the swimming beach areas, rather than other areas in the reservoir.

According to CPW, contrary to popular belief, the fatality statistics for Lake Pueblo are comparable to other lakes in Colorado and do not indicate that it is more dangerous than other lakes, such as Cherry Creek Reservoir or Chatfield Reservoir. However, as with any lake activities, it is always important to take safety precautions before getting in the water.