Tuber drowns in Arkansas River at Lake Pueblo State Park

a man drowns in the arkanas river in pueblo. state parks and wildlife says he was tubing near the cottonwood picnic area …on the east side of lake pueblo state park. it happened around 11:30 this morning. krdo newschannel 13’s michelle san miguel found out many filies plan to avoid the river this summer. nat pop of water the fast- moving arkansas river claimed the life of 23 year-old steven kelly of parker. he drowned near this bridge. nat pop of beach just behind the river — families are playing it safe at rock canyon swim beach at lake pueblo state park. we asked them if they plan on going in the river this year. :52 with the water the way that it has been, with all the rain — no. :25 i have not been on the river this year. with all the water and raing it’s been too high. firefighters say the river is moving three times faster than it normally does on father’s day weekend. it’s moving so quickly the fire department’s swift water rescue team planned to train in the river this weekend, but they decided to cancel those plans. 3:00 even the professional kayakers, they’re not out in this flow. so when the professionals are not willing to get in this water, the average person shouldn’t be out in this water, period. pueblo firefighters didn’t respond to the drowning since it happened at the state park — but they advise staying out of the river this year. they say even a life jacket can’t protect you. 1:57 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’s flowing over you, it forces you underwater and even the strongest swimmers are not gonna survive that. nat pop of ellie gibson ellie gibson would rather wade into this water than take her chances in the river. 1:57 when my friends have suggested tubing down the river i’ve kind of avoided it because you just never know…water is stronger than i think we give it credit for. strong enough to take the life of a young man who was just planning on going tubing. in pueblo county, msm. krdo. nc13. state parks and wildlife has not said whether the victim was wearing a life jacket or if he was alone. more information will be released tomorrow. search and