River Safety-Rules
Always Pack Out What You Pack In!
Be Sure To Recycle and Dispose of Your Trash Properly
Trash bags are available to campers and floaters free-of-charge from Commercial Outfitters, River Rangers and
Other considerations for a safe float trip:
- Be sure to inform the commercial flotation device operation if you or anyone in your party are a first-time or novice floater(s) so that they may pair you with an experienced paddler/floater or float you in a raft so there is a lesser chance for capsizing;
- Wear a personal flotation device at all times;
- Never swim or boat alone. Stay within sight of companions;
- Do not float when river levels and discharge flows are higher than normal or at flood stage;
- If you capsize, stay with your flotation device on the upstream side. Resist the urge to grab a fixed object don't get pinned between the flotation device and a rock or tree;
- When tired, take a break on a gravel bar to relax;
- Take a shorter length float trip (especially in rafts and inner tubes) when river levels are at Summer-time lows and winds are out of the South greater than 10mph;
- Do not dive into the river from bridges, bluffs, streambanks and trees;
- Do not swing on rope swings and jump into the water as there may be submerged logs and tree branches that could cause bodily harm;
- Be sure to bring sunglasses, extra cover up clothing, hat and suntan lotion. The sun reflecting off the water will give a person without sunglasses a headache and the extra clothing gives an opportunity not to sunburn;
- Be sure to take water, tea, Gatorade, other thirst-quenching drinks and peanut butter crackers or similar snacks. Try to avoid beer and soda pops as they tend to dehydrate the body and alcohol impairs judgment;
- Be sure to wear river wading shoes to ensure no cuts to your feet;
- Never take anything on your float trip that you don't want to lose. Check your car keys with the commercial flotation device operation for safe keeping;
- Respect the rights of fishermen and private property owners;
- Camp only in designated areas. Avoid being trapped by rising water against bluffs or on gravel bars;
- Do not tie flotation devices together as it against the law and violators are subject to fine;
- Do not use profanity;
- Do not use glass and Styrofoam containers;
- Do not litter;
- Shower with soap and water after swimming;
- Wash cuts and scrapes with clean water and soap after swimming;
- Wear ear plugs;
- Wear swim goggles;
- Take children to the restroom frequently;
- Use swim diapers on infants;
- Stay away from any area that has floating debris, oil sheens or dead fish;
- Do not swim after a heavy rain;
- Do not swim in water with a temperature greater than 80ºF;
- Do not swim if you have cuts or scrapes;
- Do not swim near storm drains;
- Do not swim in stagnant (unmoving) water;
- Do not swim in water with a green surface scum; and,
- Do not ingest water.
Pursuant to enactment of Senate Bill 1381 during the 2nd Session of the 51st
Before planning to visit the Illinois River Basin, always access 48-Hour Recreational Forecast, Illinois River Area Map and Floaters Guide before setting out on your floating trip by going to the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission Website: www.oklahomascenicrivers.net. The 48-Hour Recreational Forecast "icon" has the Illinois River Association (commercial flotation device operations) recommended standards for floating children. The forecast site has interactive river map that changes colors with elevated river levels and matrix of recommendations at the certain levels.
