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Drunk or sober, river floaters cut loose: The Good
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With recent developments focusing on the issue of alcohol and the river, parents can breathe easy knowing that the treasured Boise River lacks the overflowing booze and reckless drunks of the past. Floating down the Boise River used to require keeping a watchful eye, not just on the river, but on fellow floaters. Those who drink too much endanger the lives of not just themselves, but of those around them, particularly young children. Barbie Braun, a mother of two, welcomes the ever-tightening regulations.
“I think it’s a good idea. I mean, when I have my boys with me I don’t like having a bunch of loud and crazy people, who are way too drunk to be on the river in the first place,” Braun said.
The river is a fantastic place to enjoy an afternoon as a family. The hot, dry air coupled with the intensity of the sun is wonderfully extinguished by the cold and swift-moving water. Such a treasure should be enjoyed by everyone to its fullest potential.
“It gets dangerous when people drink too much then start to do stupid things. I don’t know you. It’s not OK to grab onto my raft when you’re all drunk and I have my kids with me,” Braun said.
Issues such as these seem to be in the past – before open containers were prohibited and before citations could be handed out. Law enforcement officers now patrol the waters. They keep an eye out for the overly intoxicated and they are allowed to take action. The results are noticeable.
Jared Bonaminio, a parking lot administrator at Barber Park, notices the effects. Working at the toll booth and encounters first hand a great number of people who come to the park.
“There are a lot of families that come to float the river. And there are a lot of cops that come through the park. It’s not very often that people come through here too drunk either,” Bonaminio said.
Floating the river of today versus floating that of yesterday is a different experience. There are fewer overflowing coolers , more kids and, on the whole, there is much less garbage.
Floating the river is now much more relaxing. We felt no necessity to keep a lookout for reckless drinkers. All there is to do is sit back and enjoy the beauty of the river.
The presence of law enforcement officers patrolling the waters makes the float better. They are there to maintain order and to ensure the safety of all who partake in the activity.
From top to bottom, floating the river has taken positive steps over the last few years. The reduction of litter and recklessness has provided families with a safe waterway to enjoy.
Bob Beers