Ice Dive Loses Loses Gypsy Divers Focuses On Training

LAKE SAN ISABEL – A new year means a new opportunity to get underwater rescue professionals in the Pueblo areabetter prepared for an emergency.

It’s the first year that the chilly jump into the Lake San Isabel near Rye hasn’t been run by the Gypsy Divers– a local scuba club. The dive into 35 degree water is now exclusively training for the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Bureau. Leaders say the more time in the water the better for their six trained professionals.

The dive in which there’s only one hole to escape from the chilly water is considered one of the most dangerous for water rescue professionals. A diver can only see for about 10 feet below the surface before light fades and the water gets too murky to make much out. According to one diver, once they hit the bottom they normally can’t even see the readouts on their breathing equipment. Having training also like this also helps everyone learn to work together safely and efficiently.

“People on the surface that are guiding your ropes, {they’re the ones} you really put your trust in,” said Dive Team Leader Nathan Whittington.

Right now about 10 inches of ice covers Lake San Isabel making it safe for many out on New Year’s Day sledding down the hill and onto the lake’s surface. Dive team leaders are trying to keep people off Cattail Crossing in Pueblo West though because they say the ice is too thin over that body of water.