Deadly year at NM's state lakes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) - It's been a deadly year on the lakes at New Mexico's state parks where 10 people have died while out on the water, a major increase from years past.

With a busy Labor Day weekend coming up, park officials are worried the number could go up.

“We usually average one or two,” Toby Velasquez with the State Parks Division said of annual fatalities.

From 2006 to 2009 there were six boating-related deaths. Through the first eight months 0f this year, there already have been seven boating deaths.

Velasquez said people need to wear their life jackets and think ahead.

“Not being prepared," Velasquez said. "They don't have their equipment ready. They don't know where their equipment is. They don't know the capabilities of their vessel."

Park rangers are stepping up patrols this weekend to try and protect people at the lake.

They expect Elephant Butte, Navajo and Ute lakes to be the three busiest this weekend.

“Wear a life jacket and don't drink and boat," Velasquez said. "A lot of these things could have been prevented or avoided.”

Rangers also reported three swimmers have drowned at state parks this year.

Of the 10 boaters and swimmers who've died this year, park officials said none was wearing a life vest.