Play it safe on the water, wear a life jacket!!

With pools closed, more people than ever are expected on the Spokane River and other local lakes and water ways.

Please, please, please … wear a life jacket. The Spokane River is cold with flows about 3,300 cfs and expected to remain that way into next week. The Forum doesn’t recommend tubing below downtown until flows go below 2,700 cfs.

Natural waterbodies are very different from pools. They are often cold, currents can quickly carry you away, or there may be hidden underwater hazards like submerged trees and sudden drop offs. In Washington State, a study showed 70% of child drownings occurred in open water.

Regardless of how strong a swimmer you are, a life jacket can save your life!

Play it safe by using these resources: