Windstorm Kbствashes Paddleboarder, Emergency Rescue at Horsetooth Reservoir
Paddleboarding at Horsetooth Reservoir, a popular destination for water activities in Northern Colorado, can be an enjoyable experience. However, it is essential to prioritize safety, especially when it comes to wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), also known as a life vest.
Sudden wind gusts are a significant hazard on Horsetooth Reservoir, particularly in the late morning and early afternoon when weather can change rapidly. These winds can knock paddlers off their boards and into the water in an instant, as a family sharing a paddleboard discovered in July 2025 when they were capsized by a large wind gust [2].
Wearing a life vest is crucial for personal safety, particularly during such sudden wind gusts, which are a well-documented hazard in the area [2][3]. A life vest keeps you afloat, reducing the risk of drowning, even if you become fatigued or disoriented.
Moreover, many lakes and reservoirs require PFDs for all paddleboarders. While not every source explicitly states a local ordinance for Horsetooth, such regulations are common in Colorado and should be assumed unless confirmed otherwise [4].
Modern PFDs, including low-profile belt-style or inflatable vests, are designed for comfort and unrestricted movement, addressing common concerns about bulkiness [4]. They also provide an added layer of safety for children, who are especially vulnerable [2][4].
Local authorities, including the Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County Rangers, actively encourage the use of life vests and have had to conduct rescues for paddleboarders in distress, underscoring the importance of this safety measure [1][3].
On July 10, a distress call came in from a bystander who witnessed a woman go under the water near the Sunset Picnic Area. The woman, who was not wearing a life vest at the time, was found more than 100 yards from shore, actively drowning [1]. She was rescued by emergency responders from the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) and Larimer County Rangers.
To ensure your safety and enjoy a worry-free paddleboarding experience at Horsetooth Reservoir, it is recommended to always wear a properly fitted life vest. Monitor weather conditions closely, especially wind, before participating in water activities. Keep a leash attached to your paddleboard for safety while on the water. By taking these precautions, you can enhance your enjoyment of this beautiful reservoir while minimizing the risks associated with sudden weather changes.
For more information about water safety and how to prepare for recreational outings on Northern Colorado lakes and reservoirs, visit [poudre-fire.org](http://poudre-fire.org).
- Events at Horsetooth Reservoir, such as paddleboarding, should prioritize safety, especially during periods of sudden wind gusts, which are common in Fort Collins, Northern Colorado.
- Larimer County authorities, including the Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County Rangers, advise all paddleboarders to wear life vests for safety, based on their experiences with rescues at Horsetooth Reservoir.
- To comply with local ordinances and ensure safety, most paddleboarders in Larimer County are required to wear personal flotation devices (PFDs), but specific regulations for Horsetooth Reservoir need to be verified.
- In addition to promoting safety, modern PFDs are designed for comfort and freedom of movement, making them suitable for sports like paddleboarding, particularly for children who are more susceptible to accidents.
