Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast with many people prepping for a well deserved 3-day weekend. With sunny, warm weather spreading across the country, plenty of people will spend their holiday outside on nearby bodies of water. In Colorado this tends to mean one of the state’s many reservoirs or lakes.
Ahead of the holiday weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is encouraging the public to recreate responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience in addition to protecting the nature around them.
There are several tip categories provided by CPW. They recommend wearing a life jacket regardless of age or experience level as cold water can quickly create drowning emergencies. Paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels and life jacket requirements apply. Recreators should only boat or paddle in water conditions they’re comfortable with and should avoid floating alone especially during high flows.
“On the surface, rivers and streams can seem calm, warm, or shallow. But even the most experienced outdoor enthusiasts can become victims to deceptively strong currents, cold water temperatures, and unexpected changes in depth. You should always wear a life jacket, paddle with a buddy, know your limitations, and scout rapids before floating them.” – Michael Haskins, River Outfitter Licensing and Swiftwater Investigator.
Additionally CPW asks that you come prepared for Colorado’s famously unpredictable weather. Choose your location based on the weather, bring layers of clothing for changing weather and elevation, and stay hydrated. Make your camping reservations if you hope to camp in a state park.
They also ask that you help prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species by cleaning, draining, and drying your boats and equipment between uses and make sure you decontaminate your gear at CPW Gear and Watercraft Cleaning Stations.
Help to keep wildlife wild by never feeding or approaching wildlife, remaining bear prepared on trails and while camping, keeping and dogs leashed on trails. You should also check fire restrictions or bans before having any sort of fire, use designated campfire areas when allowed and available, and ensure that you put fires out with water until you can touch the embers. Never leave a campfire unatteneded.
Read more on CPW’s tips for this holiday weekend here.
