One kayaker died and another was hospitalized Saturday after they fell into the water at Chatfield Reservoir in Douglas County.
Neither kayaker was wearing a life vest when they fell into the water, said Kara Van Hoose, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Water temperatures were in the 40s, according to lakemonster.com, a website that tracks weather conditions on lakes.
“This time of year people often think because it’s warm outside that the water is also warm,” Van Hoose said. “But it’s very cold so when you go in it can be quite a shock.”
The two people, who have not been identified, were in separate kayaks. One was able to swim to shore, according to a South Metro Rescue update on X.
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The person who died was pulled from the water overnight by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Marine Evidence Recovery team. The parks and wildlife team deployed an underwater drone to help find the body.
South Metro crews, along with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, assisted with drones, divers and searchers along the shoreline.
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