RIRIE, Idaho — On Monday, March 18, a small boat overturned on the South Fork of the Snake River near the Byington Boat Dock east of Ririe, Idaho, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).
BCSO Dispatch received a call around 2:30 p.m. on Monday, confirming that the two occupants safely swam to shore. Shortly after the call, Sheriff Deputies located the uninjured occupants, and assisted them safely back to the boat ramp.
According to the boaters, they were having mechanical issues when the boat hit a gravel bar and flipped over.
The BCSO reminds water recreationists to always make a safety plan when on the water. According to the Sheriff’s Office, cold water temperatures and winter runoff conditions can be very hazardous, even in still or slow-moving current conditions. The window of opportunity to self-rescue from the water can be seconds before hypothermia sets in, and the ability to move and breathe decreases.
“Boats can overturn in a second, leaving no time to stop and put on a lifejacket,” the BCSO stated in the announcement. “Wearing a lifejacket or personal floatation device at all times will greatly increase your ability to self-rescue and survive if you end up in the water.”
The Sheriff’s Office advised that as weather warms, runoff conditions in the Snake River can change rapidly, bringing a variety of floating debris and hazards just under the surface. This can quickly change the ability to safely control, operate or remain inside a boat.
“Before putting a boat or watercraft in the river, consider the weather and current water conditions, thoroughly inspect watercraft and make sure to have proper safety equipment,” the announcement stated.
