How to stay safe when floating the river
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – After the incident that happened Sunday, first responders are reminding the public of the dangers when spending time in the Snake River.
Summertime is a pretty popular time of year for people to be spending time out on the water, which come with some risks.
Sergeant Bryan Lovell, from the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, says it's important to know your area and follow safety precautions.
He suggests not only having a life jacket on hand but making sure to actually use it, even when it's not always necessary.
"A number of incidents we've been to this summer, readily available is not enough because when you have an accident, an overturn or an emergency those things are happening now, and you don't have time to properly secure that life jacket," Lovell said.
Rivers can produce a number of changing situations like the current, diversion dams and even water levels. Lovell says it's also important to research the area where you plan to recreate.
He also says that diversion dams, among other risks, can be tricky to pass if you don't know the area well or are not experienced enough. Once you get caught in the dam, it's very difficult to get out. But, "Even the most experienced people out on the water, if they have mechanical problems or have some sort of trouble can sometimes gets caught up in that," Lovell said.
For more information on how to stay well equipped and prepared click HERE.
