FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 3, 2024

WATER SAFETY A HIGH PRIORITY IN GRAND COUNTY

GRAND COUNTY, CO – In partnership with Denver Water and the Christopher Mullinex Water Rescue Fund, we are pleased to announce the addition of a 6th Life Jacket Loaner Station at Williams Fork Reservoir. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), often commonly referred to as life vests, are a critical component to water safety. Water recreationists are reminded that water temperatures remain cold throughout the year in Grand County and in the high country, creating additional challenges and shortened contact time, as well as the need for additional gear and equipment for water enthusiasts.

Loaner life vests (PFDs) are now available at six locations around Grand County lakes courtesy of the Christopher Mullinex Water Rescue Fund. Find loaner life vests at the Town of Grand Lake Town Beach, Hilltop Boat Ramp in Grand Lake, Stillwater Boat Ramp on Lake Granby, Sunset Point Boat Ramp on Lake Granby, the pond at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Granby and at Williams Fork Reservoir near the East Boat Ramp. 

Nine years ago, on July 3, 2015, a tragedy unexpectedly hit a beloved local family. Dee and Rick Mullinex would come to learn that their adult son, Christopher Eugene, drowned after jumping into Lake Granby at a depth of what would have appeared to be safe at 40 – 50 feet during a seemingly normal fun summer afternoon. Chris’s body was not discovered and recovered until after three days of searching and waiting for available out-of-county resources. 

The devastation of losing her son to drowning compounded with the anguish of waiting for his body to be recovered and brought home to be buried, ignited a deep passion in Dee Mullinex to ensure that no family ever experiences that again in Grand County. From this tragic event, the Christopher Mullinex Water Rescue Fund was created. The primary mission is to provide funds for equipment, training and public education regarding water safety so that every person that enjoys Grand County’s lakes comes home safely. 

The Headwaters Water Rescue Authority (HWRA) was later formed in 2021 as an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) to establish a county-wide, multi-agency water rescue authority to respond to water rescue emergencies throughout Grand County, and if requested, as mutual aid to other jurisdictions. The HWRA is urgently requesting the support of the community to help raise funds to purchase a new rescue boat. Tax-deductible donations are gratefully accepted and checks can be made payable to Headwaters Water Rescue Authority and mailed to Grand Fire Protection District No. 1, P.O. Box 338, Granby, CO 80446. 

“The heartfelt strength and unwavering dedication of a mother’s love has been felt with every word and step bravely taken by Dee Mullinex.” Expressed Sheriff Brett Schroetlin, “The addition of a new rescue boat through the Headwaters Water Rescue Authority would allow our first responders to respond to emergencies in our bodies of water with the same care and compassion that we would for any other type of emergency.”

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