BOISE, Idaho —
The 2022 Boise River float season will be coming to an end after Labor Day.
September 5 will be the last day raft rentals and a shuttle service between Ann Morrison Park and Barber Park will be available to the public.
On Wednesday, Ada County Parks & Waterways, Boise Fire Department (BFD), and Boise Parks and Recreation held a news conference at the Barber Park Boise River put-in.
They estimated that over 150,000 floaters drifted down the river this season, a 22% increase over last year. Estimates were made off parking and raft rental data.
“We actually have record-breaking days once a month," Robbie Sosin, program & education specialist for Ada County Parks & Waterways said. "Almost every weekend actually is a record-breaking day. I believe four out of our top-five busiest days were just in July. So every day on a weekend it’s packed, we’re trying to do our best to make sure it’s an efficient process to get people out.”
The river sees as many as 1000 floaters per hour during its peak time on Saturday.
The increase in floaters has also lead to an increase in public assist and 911 class, which have totaled 115 this year.
BFD wants to remind anyone interested in floating the river to plan ahead and bring the appropriate gear, such as footwear, life jackets sunscreen and water. BFD also encourages people to use a raft that they can control and paddle away from hanging trees or other hazards.
“As we start to wrap up the season, it’s a beautiful river to recreate, but also remember it’s a natural river," Paul Roberts, the division chief of special operations for Boise Fire Department said. "It’s got hazards, it’s super cold…a good swimmer could be incapacitated by that water. Wear appropriate clothing, wear your lifejacket and prevent that drowning.”
Life jackets are required for children under age 14 to float the river and are encouraged for everyone.
BFD also recommends using a durable tube, scanning ahead for obstacles, and avoid tying tubes together.
Parking at Barber Park can fill up quickly on the weekends, people are encouraged to arrive early or to park and Ann Morrison Park and use the shuttle service.
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