Where is water tubing banned in Colorado?
DENVER (KDVR) — As snowmelt continues to flood creeks and rivers in Colorado, several jurisdictions have decided to temporarily ban water activities like tubing.
Water tubing can be a great way to beat the summer heat and enjoy several of Colorado’s waterways. However, as those temperatures continue to warm up, snow from the winter season is melting and trickling into the rivers, causing water levels to rise.
At a certain point, counties will ban some water activities once they feel there is a public safety issue.
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Clear Creek was one of the first to temporarily ban tubing due to the rising water levels, and several other rivers are following suit.
Single-chambered inner tubes have been temporarily banned in these creeks and rivers:
Clear Creek in Jefferson County
Boulder Creek in Boulder County
North Saint Vrain and Saint Vrain Creek in Boulder County
Anyone who violates a temporary restriction could be issued a summons for a petty offense that is punishable by a fine of $100.
While tubing and swimming have been banned in these waterways, not all water activities are prohibited. Kayaks and white-water canoes are still allowed in many places.
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Anyone who decides to enjoy the cool water must wear a flotation device under Colorado law. A helmet is also recommended by law enforcement.
It has already been a deadly spring on the Colorado water with more than a dozen reports, so be sure to heed the restrictions and always wear your safety gear. These restrictions are only temporary and will be lifted once the jurisdictions deem them safe.
As more waterways add and remove restrictions, this story will be updated.
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