Man Rescued from Poudre River Whitewater Park After Becoming Hypothermic
Poudre Fire Authority responded to a water rescue at the Poudre River Whitewater Park in Fort Collins on October 16, pulling a hypothermic man from shallow water after he became unable to stand or exit on his own.
The man was clinging to a rock in three to four feet of water when bystanders on the opposite shore spotted him and called 911. Two PFA responders entered the water and pulled the patient to shore.
"He was hypothermic, but seemed uninjured," a crew member stated.
The patient was conscious but unable to communicate with responders when they arrived. UCHealth ambulance transported him from the scene. The duration of his time in the water remains unknown.
PFA's Tower 1 unit handled the rescue and returned to service following the incident.
Cold Water Creates Rapid Hypothermia Risk
Water temperatures in the Poudre River during mid-October typically range from 46 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, according to water temperature monitoring data. At these temperatures, hypothermia can develop within minutes to hours depending on exposure duration and individual factors.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing dangerously low body temperature. The condition progresses through three stages with increasingly severe symptoms.
Mild hypothermia develops when body temperature drops to 95-96 degrees, typically within the first few minutes to half hour of cold water exposure. Symptoms include shivering, confusion and lack of coordination.
Moderate hypothermia occurs at body temperatures between 90 and 95 degrees, usually within 30 minutes to an hour of exposure. At this stage, victims cannot perform simple tasks and experience worsening confusion and drowsiness.
Severe hypothermia begins when body temperature falls below 90 degrees, potentially within one to several hours depending on water temperature. Victims may become unresponsive and lose consciousness.
Shallow Water Poses Ongoing Danger
The October 16 incident demonstrates that even shallow water creates significant hazards, particularly as fall temperatures continue dropping across Northern Colorado.
"This is a reminder that even shallow water can be dangerous, especially as the weather becomes colder and colder," PFA stated.
The Poudre River Whitewater Park provides recreational opportunities for kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts in Fort Collins. The park includes designated entry and exit points designed for controlled water access.
PFA recently responded to a vehicle recovery operation on October 11 after a car crashed down a 57-foot embankment into the Cache la Poudre River upstream from the whitewater park. Both occupants escaped that vehicle before it became submerged.
Authority Maintains Specialized Water Rescue Capabilities
Poudre Fire Authority response units maintain specialized equipment for water rescues including rescue boats, ropes and gear designed for swift water operations. Responders complete extensive certification training in swift water rescue techniques.
PFA conducts more than 50,000 hours of annual training across its personnel to maintain readiness for diverse emergency scenarios including water rescue operations, according to the authority's operational data.
The authority serves approximately 212,000 residents across Fort Collins, Timnath, LaPorte, Bellvue and surrounding areas in Larimer and Weld Counties. The agency operates 13 fire stations and responds to thousands of emergency calls annually.
Residents encountering water emergencies should call 911 immediately rather than attempting rescues themselves. Cold water and current conditions create significant risks for both victims and potential rescuers without proper training and equipment.