The 233-mile stretch of the Colorado River has become a year-round recreational activity for individuals of all ages.
To make sure that every trip down the Colorado River is safe, the Department of Boating and Waterways suggests getting to know your surroundings. Become familiar with the river, and be aware of rocks, trees, or other hazardous material that could endanger yourself, or a member of your group. Keep an eye out for anything you could get tangled up in, including fences or debris in the water.
A number of deaths are recorded each year in the Colorado River due to the number of people who may not have the proper knowledge or know what safety precautions should be taken when entering the water.
Lead park ranger for McInnis Canyons National Conservation area for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Troy Schnurr stated that everyone should wear a life jacket at all times.
“Even if you’re an Olympic swimmer, you need to be wearing one,” Schnurr said. “Many people go out in the river without proper tubes, or inner tubes tied together. The current will take those inner tubes in whichever direction it’s moving, potentially leading to trouble.”
As of right now, the current is still moving quickly, and was estimated to be approximately 50,000 cubic feet per second earlier in the year. In other words, imagine 50,000 basketballs moving through the water per second.
This summer brought many people to the Colorado River, as it does every year.
“Every time we would go, we’d always hear warnings for everyone to be careful because the river has been pretty dangerous,” sophomore Katie Thompson said. “I’ve been there three or four times this summer, and each time the current’s gotten slower and the water level has gotten lower.”
This is the most common statement that many river floaters have said this year. However, a safe trip down the river today doesn’t guarantee the same result tomorrow.
Officials are still warning people who are continuing to go out in the river that even though the water levels may be decreasing, there is still a lot of debris floating around, such as trees and other obstacles that you should be aware of. If you’re planning on spending a day in the river, please remember to have the proper equipment, wear a life jacket and never underestimate the power and unpredictability of the Colorado River.

nstimack@mavs.coloradomesa.edu