Area waters dangerously cold

April 25, 2022

The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office has continued to patrol the waterways of Boundary County. The water is cold, sitting at 42 degrees on the Kootenai River. The water level on the Kootenai River is low, but we anticipate a late run-off from the winter thaw. The weather might be warm, but the water could still be cold and unpredictable.

As a reminder, always wear your personal floatation device (PFD) while underway.

Remember this simple rule, if you find yourself in the water: one minute to control your breathing and catch your breath; 10 minutes of meaningful motor skills; one hour before you could be unconscious from hypothermia.

Boundary county has had one close call this year with an adult male who capsized his kayak on the Moyie River and was not wearing a PFD. Idaho sustains about eight water fatalities a year due to cold water and no PFD.

The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office is putting on Boat Safety Classes sponsored by the Idaho Parks and Recreation from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May 14, 21 and 28 at the Boundary County Search and Rescue Building, 6821 Riverside Street, Bonners Ferry.

Please bring a lunch. To sign up for the classes, call Caleb Watts at (208) 267-3151, extension 219, or email cwatts@boundarysheriff.org