As you drive by Missouri rivers in the summer months, you may see people floating along on inner tubes, paddle boats or kayaks. Whether people gather for a float trip with friends or paddle along while fishing, a day spent on the water can be full of fun. However, it may quickly become a disastrous situation if you or your loved ones are not prepared before entering the water.
As personal injury attorneys, we see countless news stories each year in our state that reveal the dangers of our rivers. Even the strongest swimmers are at risk for drowning, getting caught in rip currents or lodged beneath river debris. As Missouri float trips continue to take off from our riverbanks, we compiled this list of seven safety tips to review and share with loved ones before venturing into our local rivers.
1. Wear Personal Flotation Devices.
Just because you are holding onto a raft or tube while floating does not mean you should neglect to wear a life jacket. In Missouri, children under the age of seven are required by law to wear a life jacket while in the open areas of a boat.
While there are no specific laws in Missouri for wearing a life jacket while swimming in a river as an adult, it may save your life if there are unseen eddy currents, large rootwad formations, undertows or other snags in the water. No matter your swimming ability, age or location within a Missouri river, it is important to wear a life jacket to have a safe float trip experience.
2. Bottom Down, Feet Up.
As you drive by one of our rivers, the first thing you may notice is they are not always crystal clear. Whether you can see the bottom of the river you are floating in or not, it is always best to float with your bottom down and feet up, when using an inner tube. Keeping your feet above the water reduces your risk of being caught by river debris such as rocks, logs or branches that may be lodged at the bottom of the river.
3. Climb the Rootwad.
A rootwad is the lower portion of a tree trunk where the roots are still attached and much of the soil is removed so the roots are exposed. Many Missouri rivers are tree-lined, and a rootwad typically forms after years of erosion on a riverbank. These are particularly dangerous for float trips, swimmers and boats alike since it is easy to be caught within the roots under the water as it rushes by.
If you find yourself in this situation, the National Park Service advises you to climb the rootwad and abandon your float.
4. Be Aware in Fast Flowing Areas.
Floating in faster currents may be fun, but it is also a time to be alert to the changes in the water. Our state’s common float trip destinations include rivers such as the Meramec River, Niangua River, Current River, Black River, and Gasconade River. While all these rivers have calmer areas, there are some faster and murkier stretches of water that may strike without warning, especially after heavy rains or changes in elevation.
When the speed of water increases, make sure to hold tightly to your float and ensure your life jacket is fastened properly. If you fall off, remember to keep your feet up, bottom down and swim quickly to shore.
5. Float Sober.
While floating is not the same as driving a vehicle, floating under the influence may impair your judgment, decrease your mobility and reduce your awareness of your surroundings. When you are on a float trip, be sure to balance your hydration with water or non-alcoholic beverages such as soda as you safely enjoy our rivers.
6. Adhere to Missouri River Laws.
There are a number of Missouri river laws that have been passed in recent years that help preserve our rivers and the safety of those who use them for recreation purposes. Violation of these laws may lead to a misdemeanor, if they are broken by those floating on our rivers.
- Polystyrene food and beverage coolers are not allowed. In the past, some people have thrown them into the river following their use and they can create hazardous conditions and extra waste within our river system.
- Beer kegs or “beer bongs” are strictly prohibited. Drinking devices like these increase the likelihood of public intoxication and pose a safety risk for those floating on rivers.
- Glass containers and bottles are not allowed in Missouri rivers. Not only can they harm wildlife, but they may also harm other people if they are broken along shorelines.
- You must dispose of trash safely and lawfully. After your float trip, make sure to collect all trash and throw it away in a designated trash bin.
7. Watch the Weather before You Float.
Everyone knows the weather can change on a dime, but it is still important to check the local radar before embarking on a float trip. Even if it rained the day before your day of floating, make sure to check river levels to make sure they are still safe to float. Additionally, if lightning is present during your float, quickly paddle to the riverbank and seek shelter away from the water.
For more information on river levels, visit the USGS Current Water Levels for Missouri for more resources.
Stay Safe in Our Rivers!
In Missouri, we have many beautiful rivers to explore throughout the year, but it is also important to keep each other safe while you float along. As personal injury attorneys in St. Louis and our surrounding Missouri cities, we encourage you to share this blog with your friends and family before you embark on your next river adventure. Visit our blog to learn more local safety tips.