RIVER SAFETY MESSAGE

Although the Rio Grande is considered to be relatively easy to safely navigate, the river-runner should be aware of the inherent risks that are always present in moving water. Even in gentle-seeming water, you should maintain control of your boat and be prepared to navigate in a safe direction. Pay attention to the direction that the current is moving. River currents are relentless and deceptively powerful.

Inherent risks to be aware of include:

  • DROWNING  – your risk of drowning can be mitigated by wearing an approved lifejacket, that is properly fastened at all times while on the river.  Fewer than 2% of drownings occur among swimmers who are wearing properly fitted jackets. Remember that state law requires you to use your lifejacket (PFD) on the water.

  • CAPSIZING and PINNING – Boaters should remain alert to fixed objects in the river, including rocks, trees/branches, bridge pilings and jetty jacks. When watercraft come into contact with fixed objects in moving current, you may be pinned to them by the current or the upstream side may also be forced downward, causing you to capsize.  Always be alert to the river ahead and paddle away from turbulence or any fixed object as soon as you see it coming.

  • CURVES and BENDS – currents always move toward the outside of a bend, where fallen trees and fixed objects often collect and there is danger of banks caving in.  Always paddle to the inside of the bend for maximum safety.

  • IMMERSION HYPOTHERMIA – Your body’s core temperature can drop quickly in water that is colder than 80 degrees (10 to 20 times faster than the equivalent air temperature).  If your body temperature drops just a few degrees, your strength and alertness will diminish, even to the point of helplessness.  Shivering is the warning sign of advancing hypothermia. If you’re shivering, stop and rewarm, putting on dry clothes as necessary.

  • LOW HEAD DAMS – Beware when approaching Siphon Beach River Access Point, where a river-wide rock barrier creates an entrapment hazard. Look for signage on the river right bank.

    • Be particularly aware of the City’s Drinking Water Diversion dam, less than a mile below the Alameda Avenue River Access Point which can be an extremely hazardous barrier to navigation under most river conditions. Contact the Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority or visually inspect this dam to determine current conditions.  One can avoid the area entirely by launching from the Calabasillas Arroyo River Access Point.

  • IMPAIRED BOATING  –  More than half of all drowning victims are legally drunk.  Safety experts know that alcohol impairment suppresses the gasp reflex, markedly increasing the risk of drowning. Operating any watercraft (including inner tubes) while impaired  by alcohol or drugs is unlawful, and you may be cited.