Think twice before jumping in

By CHANSE WATSON

Managing Editor

WALLACE — It certainly took its time, but it looks like spring has finally come to the Silver Valley. The newfound heat and sunlight has many already looking forward to their favorite warm season activities — many of which revolve around access to water. But before you reach for those swim trunks or trudge out into river with a fly rod, you may want to consider how warm that water actually is.

The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office would like to stress to residents that it is still not safe to enter any of our local water holes or rivers.

The reason for this warning mainly has to do with warmer outside temperatures giving individuals a false idea that the water is also warming up.

SCSO Captain Jeremy Groves explains that most of the water used for recreation in Shoshone County is in the form of rivers or mountain lakes, “both of which end up with runoff due to snow pack melting which causes higher, fast moving water and colder temperatures.”

These dangers can threaten people with not only the possibility of drowning, but also hypothermia.

“If someone was to jump into a deeper portion of either body of water,” Grove explained, “the extreme cold could become incapacitating to the subject and cause lack of thought process or impair normal motor functioning skills. Hypothermia could immediately start to set in and worst case could potentially be the cause of serious injury or death.”

The Idaho State Parks and Recreation Department reports that in the last two months, three people have died in Idaho from falling out of a boat into cold water.

Groves says that usually around mid-July or toward the end of July, water temperatures reach a comfortable level, water levels sink to lower height and the water current slows to safer speed.

If someone still plans to hit the water before then, IPRD stresses the importance of wearing a life jacket.

“When a person falls into cold water the shock of the cold water causes you to gasp for air. It literally takes your breath away and the ability to hold your breath is almost impossible. Without a life jacket to keep you afloat a person that accidentally falls into cold water may drown within minutes.”

Groves and SCSO stress that keeping a vigilant eye on people and possessions while near the water is not a bad idea either.

“With recreating season and a big holiday season coming, everyone is reminded to recreate wisely and if around a body of water, please keep an extra eye on their recreating parties — especially children. Personal pets also need to be watched as they could become subject to the same hazards as children or adults.”

Also, as local temperatures rise, water levels will rise as well. Because of this, it would be prudent to enter the water where it is at its lowest levels.

“This will allow a person a chance to assure they keep their footing under them and it will reduce the risk of being in the deeper faster moving water,” Groves added.

For more information on the dangers of cold water visit www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/pages/home.html.

To report an emergency or incident, water related or otherwise, dial 911 or contact SCSO at 208-557-1114.