tubing-down-the-riverFloating down the river on an inner tube is how some Iowans may be trying to escape the steamy summer weather, especially with triple-digit heat indices.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has some advice to make your tube ride a bit smoother. The DNR’s Todd Robertson says even though you’re surrounded by water, you still need to consume plenty of fluids.

“You have to drink enough water because heat exhaustion can come onto you,” Robertson says. “Even though you’re relaxing in a tube and just floating down the river, if that’s what you’re doing, it still takes a little bit of energy and plus, you’ve got the sun beating down on you, so you have to stay hydrated.”

While tubing can be relaxing, there are risks, especially after all of the recent rains and flooding, plus, Robertson says inner tubes can be difficult to control. “You have your hands and you have your feet, you don’t have a paddle. So you’re basically at the mercy of the current when you’re in a tube,” Robertson says. “Some of these rivers that are really high in the state right now, you have no business being on anyway. And if you’re on one in a tube, chances are you’re gonna end up in some of that debris.”

Robertson says downed trees and branches are more numerous following recent storms. He says river users can enjoy the scenery but need to keep an eye downstream to avoid any hazardous surprises. He also suggests bringing a buddy along and letting those at home know where you’re going.

(Thanks to Pat Blank, Iowa Public Radio)