About two weeks ago the City of Fort Collins prohibited the operation of any single-chambered, air-inflated devices on the Poudre within Fort Collins city limits due to dangerous conditions on the river. Although the river is still "dangerous," the ban has been lifted. 

A new release from the city said the ban will officially be lifted tonight (June 13th) at 5 p.m. The city also went on to say that the Poudre is still flowing at a “dangerous” rate, and personal flotation devices or life vests should be used at all times.

They also laid out some helpful reminders for anyone entering or going near the river:

  • Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return and where and who to call if you don’t. If your plans change while you are traveling, put a note in your car on the driver’s side dashboard with the new plans.
  •  Wear life jackets around water. Areas near the water’s edge and some riverbanks may be unstable due to current high flow rates.
  • Stay away from riverbanks during times of high flowing water. The banks may give way underneath you.
  • Never forget the power of moving water,especially when it is running high and fast from spring runoff or recent heavy rains. The river is currently running at over 4,000 cubic feet per second which equates to over 120 tons of water per second.
  • Be aware of the limitations of yourself in the water.Even if you are a good swimmer, fast moving water and under currents can easily catch you off guard. Additionally there are often rocks or other obstacles underneath the water that can knock you off balance even in shallow water depths.
  • Watch your surroundings, including the weather.Be prepared for extremes in the weather, especially if more rain is predicted. Heavy rains upstream can alter the water flow and depth in a short period of time and also contribute to hypothermia. When your clothes are soaking wet, hypothermia is a danger even in the summer.
  • Carry a First Aid kit and know how to use it.Take a first aid course for CPR and basic medical assistance.
  • If caught in a fast flowing river, rapids or storm water, try to float feet first in a half sit position.
  • Remember: Reach or Throw, Don’t Go.If someone is caught in fast moving water, reach out to them or throw a rope to the person in the water. Don’t go into the water yourself or you may also become in need of rescuing.

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