Tuber drowns in Arkansas River at Lake Pueblo State Park

A man drowned while tubing in the Arkansas River at Lake Pueblo State Park.

The incident happened near the Cottonwood picnic area, around 11:30 a.m. Sunday.

The Pueblo County coroner identified the victim as Steven Kelly, 23, of Parker.

Behind the river, dozens of people were enjoying Father’s Day at Rock Canyon Swim Beach at Lake Pueblo. KRDO NewsChannel 13 asked several families if they plan on going in the river this year.

“With the water the way that it has been, with all the rain — no,” said Krista Farmer, of Fountain.

“I have not been on the river this year,” said Pueblo resident Ellie Gibson. “With all the water and raining it’s been too high.”

Pueblo fire Capt. Damian Pritts told KRDO NewsChannel 13 the river is flowing three times faster than it normally does at this time of year. He said the fire department’s swift water rescue team planned to train in the river Sunday morning but canceled the training because of the high flows.

“Even the professional kayakers, they’re not out in this flow,” Pritts said. “So when the professionals are not willing to get in this water, the average person shouldn’t be out in this water, period.”

Pritts advises people to stay out of the river this year. He said even a life jacket can’t always protect people.

“In moving water, any number of things can happen. There’s debris under the water that you can get snagged on and if you stop and the river keeps flowing over you, it forces you underwater and even the strongest swimmers are not going to survive that,” Pritts said.

Gibson said she’d rather wade into the swim beach than take her chances in the river.

“When my friends have suggested us tubing down the river, I’ve kind of avoided it because you just never know,” Gibson said. “Water is stronger than I think we give it credit for.”

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said more information on Kelly’s death will be released Monday. It’s unknown if he was wearing a life jacket.

Those recreating in the Arkansas River are required to wear a life jacket.