Water welfare: Weld, Larimer water recreation safety reminders for outdoor

Northern Colorado has a handful of places for summer fun in or on the water, whether it be through boating, paddling, swimming or fishing.

But after fatal drownings in the state reached a record high in 2022, Weld and Larimer County public agencies are urging Colorado residents to follow critical safety guidelines, laws and tips on the water.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife recorded nearly 40 fatal recreation-related drownings in 2022 — the deadliest year across Colorado's lakes, rivers and streams.

In the spring, snowmelt runoff increases the flow of area rivers and streams, according to a Larimer County Department of Natural Resources news release. The Bureau of Reclamation anticipates allowing more water through Lake Estes this year, which may lead to higher-than-average streamflow in the Big Thompson Canyon. Swift currents and cold, deep water are also expected during the snowmelt season.

As people begin embarking on water recreation activities, caution should remain a focus, the release said.

Weld County bodies of water have safety guidelines and rules to follow. These include:

From mid-May to September, people can enjoy the public beach of Windsor Lake, at 100 5th St.

Those splashing in the waters of the lake should be aware algae may be present, according to the Windsor Parks, Recreation and Culture website.

Blue-green algae can be harmful to people and animals. Algae usually forms through a combination of sustained hot weather and nutrient-polluted stormwater runoff from fertilizers, according to a Coloradan article.

Symptoms of algae exposure include nausea, vomiting, a rash or other unexplained illness.

Windsor Lake closed in July 2019, 2021 and 2022 because of waters testing positive for harmful blue-green algae.

In addition, ingesting the untreated agricultural water at Windsor Lake can risk possible exposure to pathogenic organisms, the lake's website said. Windsor Parks, Recreation and Culture employees advise those who have been ill to refrain from entering the water.

Additional rules:

Located at 7025 Eastman Park Drive in Windsor, the site is a free, mile-long river for local kayaking, canoeing, tubing and water play, according to the Windsor Parks, Recreation and Culture website. Tube rentals are available from late May to early September.

Visitors of the river should enter the water at their own risk because there is no lifeguard on duty, the website said. The natural space, water depth and streamflow vary, creating possible hazards beneath the water that cannot be seen.

Due to the river's safety hazards, Windsor Parks, Recreation and Culture encourage visitors to follow river-specific safety tips, such as:

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, Larimer County Office of Emergency Management, Poudre Fire Authority and the City of Loveland, is spreading a water safety message to increase outdoor recreation safety for community members and visitors.

Justin Whitesell, emergency operations director at the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, advises people to plan ahead before going to a body of water.

"Our county has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor recreation," Whitesell said. "We want our community members and visitors to get home safely with positive memories to share, and a little bit of preparation goes a long way."

If Weld residents head to one of Larimer Counties many lakes or reservoirs, county officials recommend these "know before you go" safety tips for recreating on flat or moving water:

For more tips, go to www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/recreate-responsibly.

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