Residents warned to be cautious around retention ponds

BY STAFF REPORT COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Daily rainfall continues to wreak havoc on the region as roadways are ooded, sinkholes are forming and now the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce is warning residents to beware of over owing retention ponds.

In a press release on June 16 evening, o cials said Douglas County is experiencing above-average rainfall in June and the ground is saturated.

According to the National Weather Service, the Denver metro area usually has an average of just under two inches of rain in all of June. is year, rain showers beat that average in the month’s rst ve days.

May was also a wet month this year, with the weather service reporting more than ve inches, compared to 2.59 inches in May last year.

According to the news release, the sheri ’s o ce said retention ponds, located throughout the Douglas County, are designed both for water quality treatment and ood control.

Both those that are normally dry and those that hold water all year round are currently full.

e sheri ’s o ce said normally retention ponds do not pose a threat, but with the continued rainfall, they can present a dangerous hazard and drowning risk, particularly to children. e news release said retention ponds are currently dangerous because of the following reasons.

• Retention ponds often have steep sides, which makes climbing out of them di cult.

• Retention ponds and out- let culverts may have strong currents as the water drains from them – especially if protective bars or grating is built close to the drain.

• e suction e ect created by the in ow and out ow structures of retention ponds can unexpectedly pull children under the water, making it extremely di cult for them to escape without immediate assistance.

• Children are naturally curious and may be drawn to the allure of these water bodies, especially during or after heavy rainfall.

• Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of playing near or in these e sheri ’s o ce also warned never to get into a retention pond if a pet or a pesron falls in, instead recommending calling 911 so rescue crews can get on scene.

• Parents, especially those with young children, should avoid letting their children play near these areas during this rainy period.

• Retention ponds collect run-o , so the water in them is often dirty, unsanitary and can be toxic.

After calling 911 emergency authorities recommend throwing something that oats or a rope to the victim if it can be done safely.

Local authorities also warn residents to not swim, sh or play around a retention pond.