River experts urge life jackets as more Montanans head to the water

ALBERTON, Mont. — As warmer temperatures bring more people to Montana rivers, local river experts said wearing a life jacket (PFD - Personal Flotation Device) and planning ahead can make a big difference on the water.

Tom Barry, owner of Zoo Town Surfers, said this even goes for strong swimmers.

“All of our guided trips, people are always wearing PFDs. And even when we are floating, personally, I'm always wearing one as well. You never know what could happen. Take a slip and fall, hit your head or anything like that, and then next thing you know, you're unconscious and don't have a PFD on,” Barry said.

If someone ends up in the water, experts said the safer move is to float on your back with your face up until reaching calmer water.

McKenna Flannigan, river ambassador coordinator for the Clark Fork Coalition, said obstacles in the river can quickly create trouble. She pointed to bridges, boulders and trees as hazards people should watch for.

“If you are in a situation where you find yourself floating toward an obstacle in the river, you want to do everything that you can to avoid it. So, you want to swim upstream, away from the obstacle at about a 45-degree angle toward the bank to try to get as far away from it as you can,” Flannigan said.

Flannigan said she and her crew speak with hundreds of floaters on the Clark Fork each season. She also said one of the biggest issues is when people get too comfortable around moving water.

“I really encourage people not to have an ego about the river. It's very easy to underestimate the power of fast, cold moving water, especially with the temperatures right now. So, water like this, smooth on the surface, can still have a super powerful current underneath. And even water up to your knees can sweep you away,” Flannigan said.

She also advised people to check local river flow rates and make a plan before every trip.