1995 saw a record number of commercial outfitter fatalities on Colorado rivers. The four deaths, roughly one for every 130,000 guests, is the highest annual toll since the state began keeping records ten years ago. All were flush drownings caused in part by unusually high water levels. Including private paddlers, there were a total of 10 whitewater fatalities statewide. Only one of these involved a kayaker.
On July 11 David Stroud, 49, died in Brown's Canyon after a long swim. A Rec.Boats.Paddle posting reported that this was a one-boat trip.
SOURCES: Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, Boulder Daily Times, and Roger W. Lynn, CWWA Safety Chair
