Spring paddling warnings

KOAA’s local report published March 26 says Colorado Parks & Wildlife officers rescued a family of four after strong winds pushed two kayaks off shore at Lake Pueblo. (koaa.com) Colorado agencies have been busy at Lake Pueblo this month: CPW recovered the body of a missing boater after a capsized boat earlier in March, and the coroner identified the victim as a 48‑year‑old man from Howard, Colorado. (koaa.com) On Australia’s Far South Coast Marine Rescue NSW warned boaters and rock fishers to stay off the water as a southerly swell up to six metres and on‑shore gusts forecast around 100 km/h — with seas of roughly 50 knots offshore. (2ec.com.au) Marine Rescue NSW Acting Deputy Commissioner Dan Duemmer specifically said the conditions “are going to be incredibly dangerous” and that the forecast weather may limit or delay rescue operations. (2ec.com.au) Florida officials say the Southwest Florida Water Management District voted March 24 to declare a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage, with mandatory restrictions beginning April 3 and scheduled to remain in effect through July 1. (suncoastnews.com) The district reported that aquifers, rivers and groundwater levels are continuing to decline and the new rules include reduced watering days and limits on certain commercial uses — changes that local officials say will affect launch planning and shoreline access for paddlers. (news.wfsu.org) Officials across the three regions warned the same operational hazards: high winds and large surf increase capsize risk, falling water levels complicate launches, and extreme weather or low‑resource conditions can constrain rescue response times. (koaa.com)