High winds knock multiple paddleboarders into Colorado lake after dark, rescuers say
Multiple paddleboarders capsized after high winds swept over a Colorado lake, rescuers said.
Several rescue agencies responded to a report of one paddleboarder in distress on Boyd Lake at about 9:30 p.m. on June 21, Loveland Fire Rescue Authority said on Facebook.
Once firefighters arrived, they learned multiple people were in trouble in the water, officials said.
Boyd Lake is in Loveland and is about a 50-mile drive north from Denver.
“Rescuers located and rescued seven people from various locations south of the swim beach that were in the water after capsizing their paddle boards/watercraft or were unable to make it back to the shore on their boards,” officials said.
Medics assessed them as rescue boats brought them back to the marina, officials said.
Every person who was reported missing was rescued — which rescuers credited to their preparation, officials said.
“Boyd Lake Rangers responded to a scary situation last Friday night where 7 paddle boarders fell into the water after dark,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife Northeast Region said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “All 7 were rescued and fine. The reason? Everyone was wearing a life jacket, had a sound device, and a light. Life jackets save lives!”
Boyd Lake State Park echoed the sentiment on Facebook.
“Great job by everyone involved!” park officials said. “Please wear your life jackets — even when on a paddleboard! If you fall off, you won’t be able to get it if it’s strapped to your board.”
This story was originally published June 25, 2024 at 2:18 PM with the headline "High winds knock multiple paddleboarders into Colorado lake after dark, rescuers say."
