This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The Longmont Observer regularly publishes stories by our residents called Member Voices. This article falls into that category. It does not, necessarily, represent the views of the Longmont Observer.
By: Paul Tiger
About 150 years ago the first farmers of Colorado were successful here near the confluence St. Vrain river with Boulder Creek. Before there was a town or even a state, farmers were digging ditches to supply water for crops. Many of these ditches still exist, and are even more dangerous today then they were in the 1860s. Rather than rely on river flows, many reservoirs now provide a constant flow throughout the summer months. From May to September there is fast moving water in these irrigation canals. Additionally, river and creek flows are now buffered by man-made controls. The high or low flow may not be natural or reflect recent rainfall.
In summer the water is inviting, but unsafe. It’s always been dangerous, and for tubers and kayakers in river flows, that’s been part of the excitement. It’s also the cause of death. Less exciting, but still very dangerous, is a float in any irrigation system. Rivers and canals have underwater features that can’t be seen, but can be felt. Like any public watercourse in America, there’s garbage. On the surface and on the bottom, it’s not uncommon for a tuber to slash a foot or get an infection. Irrigation water is not treated. It’s not sewage, but it’s not tap water either.
During the years that I was active in swift water rescue, there were no saves. By the time water rescue becomes involved, it’s really a body search and recovery. The skills that rescuers learn are to their own advantage, either to save themselves or for sport without injury and death. A lot of rescuers are also outdoor sports enthusiasts. In three decades of water experience in this area, I know that we’re not going to be able to stop people from getting into dangerous water. It’s summer.
The rescuer has advantages that not everyone else has that just jumps in. Let’s cover them.
Have shoes on your feet. Lace up canvas sneakers are good; river booties may be better.
Gloves that will protect your hands. Dive gloves are best, but dishwashing gloves with rubber bands can work.
A helmet. This is important because people do not drown, at first. In every case of a stream death in the foothills, someone hits their head hard enough to become unconscious and then drown. A cycling helmet is fine.
In the water, your feet are facing downstream. If not, then the first rock you hit will remind you to flip over on your back and face downstream. Your arms help you steer; forget about swimming. Think about rolling to get out.
If you’re in a tube, expect not to stay in it. You either learn how to steer or get caught in strainers of logs and brush. Standing up in a river and most canals is the most unsafe thing to do. Be prepared to slip.
You’re an adult, reading this. There are kids under the age of ten in the ditch near your home. It’s fun for them. It’s always the kids that die in the ditches. You might stop it before it happens.
As an adult, you can imbibe with various mind altering substances before jumping into a Colorado river. This is the worst of plans. Unlike driving stoned, you’re not wrapped in metal.
Watch your head.
