Floating Fun But Safety First

Floating is one of the favorite past times of Missoula residents. There is nothing better on a hot, sunny day to park your butt in a tube and work on floating your cares away.  But with this carefree activity also comes some planning and safety issues.

First of all, if you are not a strong swimmer please consider wearing a life jacket. What? You don't look cool in a life jacket? Do you look cool in a casket? I didn't think so.  You just never know what the river has to offer.  Children under 12 especially should always wear a life jacket when anywhere near a river. Heck, even your dog should have one! Safety first for all God's creatures!

I've come across some rapids in the smoothest sailing areas so you just never know. Try to avoid these areas as you can flip and the current can drag you down.  Stay away from logs and logjams as you can become entangled and even the strongest swimmer can't get out of.

So besides tubes what else should you bring for a float?

*Sunscreen - always practice skin safety!
*A rope or tie that can help get the tubes to the river but also to tie you and your friends together.
*I prefer to always wear water shoes or at least my Tevas securely fastened.
*An experienced floater familiar with the river and area.
*Two vehicles as you park one at the take out and one at the put in location.
*A plan of where you are headed and make sure you let someone know that plan so they know where to look if you aren't home in a timely manner.
*If you must partake in alcoholic beverages, be smart about it. As you are sitting in the sun all day you will need to re-hydrate with plenty of water and remember any garbage you take in - take out. We only have one earth!
*And have a blast!