HIKING SAFETY

• Plan your route ahead of time, and make sure someone not in your hiking party knows your plan and expected time of return. Download maps at COTREX.
• Take and drink plenty of water. On hot days, take twice as much water as think you need.
• You can't always depend on your cell phone. It may run out of battery or you may find yourself in an area with no cell or GPS coverage.
• Check the weather and dress for it. While it may be warm during the day, temperatures can drop rapidly, especially in higher elevations.
• Learn more about hiking safety here.  

IF YOU THINK YOU’RE LOST….

• STAY PUT and call for help! It's a lot easier for Fremont County Search and Rescue to find you if you are in one place!
• DON’T PANIC!!
• Use the last hour of the day preparing a shelter and build a fire to stay warm. If you have someone with you, never separate from each other! If you must move, travel down a drainage Always be prepared to spend the night!

PLANNING A RIVER TRIP?

River levels and conditions change daily. Check for current conditions before you make plans to enjoy the river.

HAZARDS DURING HIGH WATER: 

• Swift water, dangerous currents: Not all hazards can be seen from the surface, even gentle stretches of water can have dangerous undercurrents.
• Debris and Tree snags: It’s creating dangerous undercurrents that can trap you underwater. Debris can also puncture rafts.
• Cold Water Temperatures: Hypothermia is a very real concern. Water will be colder the deeper the River gets, creating a potentially deadly situation for even the strongest of swimmers.
• Unstable Riverbanks: Ground can erode underneath, and breakaway without warning. If you’re standing on it, you can get swept away.
• Don't Swim at Boat Ramps: Currents can quickly drag someone underwater or downstream.
• Conditions will change day by day: As the weather heats up or cools down, snow will melt at a different pace creating ever-changing river conditions. 

SAFETY

• Always Wear a Life Jacket: Life jackets save lives! Even strong swimmers should wear one. Life jackets are available to borrow for free at many boat ramps thanks to the Save-A-Life Jacket Program.
• Use Proper Equipment: Using pool toys and inner tubes on the river is putting your life at risk. Use equipment designed for the river, sub-standard equipment will not protect you from river hazards.
• Enjoy the River Sober: Rafting impaired puts your life at risk.
• Raft in Groups: Raft with others, not alone. A preferred minimum is three boats. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Know your limits: Do not attempt a section of the river beyond your skill level. Pay attention to weather and water conditions: Dress for the water temperature. If the water temperature and air temperature combined total of 100 degrees or less wear protective clothing.

Have an Emergency? Call 911: Search and Rescue services are free.