Five Lifesaving Tips for Tubing the Poudre River
Spring and summer are on their way and with them comes high water and tubing season. Getting in the Cache la Poudre River is a favorite hot weather pastime. But river recreation is risky; the Poudre has claimed several lives in recent years. A new local coalition of Poudre Fire Authority, Larimer County, City of Fort Collins, Poudre Heritage Alliance, and others is working to increase education about river recreation risks this spring. They say that the river is never safe and there are no recommended routes, but if you do choose to get in, these tips can make a difference.
- Know Where to Go- A new river access brochure highlights 2 routes, but the most convenient is Shields Street River Access to Legacy Park. Take a map with you and plan your take-out location before you get in. All the river access parking lots fill up on hot summer days. Try visiting during off peak hours (before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.) or weekdays. If parking is full, have an alternate destination in mind and come back another time. Don’t ruin your day with a ticket- rangers strictly enforce the rules.
2. Wear the Right Stuff- Wear a life vest and water shoes and use a sturdy tube, not a flimsy pool toy. Helmets are recommended too. You can buy tubes for $14-$16 at Big O Tires, 1506 N. College; Walgreens, 743 S. Lemay, and Jax Outdoors, which also sells life vests starting at $55, 2121 N. College. Don’t tie anything to yourself or your tube- it can tangle and trap you underwater.
3. Go When the Time is Right- While the river is never safe, there are safer times to get wet like after spring run-off has subsided. This US Geological Survey station reports water levels. Check the weather forecast- you don’t want to be in the water during lightening. No matter how hot it is outside, remember the water is melted snow — it’s always cold. When you float, avoid logs, branches, rocks, and debris. You can’t always see these lurking river dangers.
4. Float Sober, Float Safe- Alcohol and drugs impair the judgement you need to keep yourself safe and they are illegal in natural areas, parks, and trails. Even smoking tobacco is not allowed on city property and that includes outdoor trails and natural areas!
There is one worst case scenario you should plan for, flipping over. Remember, don’t stand up in the river because it can easily push you over and if you are looking downstream, its face first! If your feet are caught up, the river’s current can trap your head underwater. So be sure to always float on your back with feet pointing downstream and toes out of the water, use your arms to steer and paddle.
5. Be a Good Example- The river is a local treasure, treat it like one by not littering! Pack it in; pack it out. Share the river with the anglers, swimmers, boaters, and others who are there to enjoy it too. People, you can get along.
Follow these simple tips, be safe, and enjoy your water experience!
