River currents, 04/2012, v.9 no.1

              Michael Fuhr 
River Currents 
Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission 
Commissioners 
Dr. Riley Needham 
Chairman 
Gerald Hilshire 
Vice-Chair 
John Larson 
Secretary/Treasurer 
Staff 
Ed Fite 
Administrator 
Cheryl Allen Administrative Manager Kevin Stevens Operations Manager Larry Setters Administration 
Cassandra Carter Education Outreach Assistant 
Bill James Ranger Supervisor 
James Hickman Maintenance Supervisor 
Josh Baird Maintenance Department 
Monte Bradford 
Larry Clark 
Randy Corp 
Rick Stubblefield 
Steve Randall 
Archie  Trey  Peyton, III 
David Spears 
Jeff Bashaw 
 Volume 9   Issue 1                        April   2012 
  Illinois River Misconceptions Addressed 
continued on page 5 
A view of the river as spring settles over Oklahoma, taken at the Edmondson public access area. 
As the 2012 Recreation Season is about to get underway, I wanted to address several misconceptions that the OSRC dealt with from visitors to the Illinois River this last season. 
1. I m a good swimmer, so I don t need to wear my lifejacket. Even if you are a strong swimmer, lifejackets can be lifesaving. During last season, there were six drowning incidents that occurred. The common denominator in all six incidents was that none of the victims were wearing a lifejacket. 
2. The Illinois River and other scenic rivers are well-managed water parks that pose little or no threat to swimmers and floaters. While the Illinois is classified as a gentle Class II river, it is still water in its natural and powerful state. Visitors should be mindful of the conditions of the river and take the neccessary care to avoid any dangers or injuries. 
3. I don t need sunscreen, sunglasses, river shoes or other protective measures while swimming and floating. Absolutely wrong! A fun filled trip to the river can be ruined by cutting your foot on a broken piece of glass, getting too much sun that results in a bad sunburn or receiving an excruciating headache from the glare of the sun off the water. The best way to enjoy your time at the river is to be safe and comfortable, which includes making sure you protect yourself from the sun, possible injuries, exhaustion and fatigue. Make sure you always pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and river shoes to avoid these issues. You should also include peanut butter crackers or other snacks as well as plenty of water. 
4. It s OK to take your wallet, keys and other valuables along with you when floating. Not a good idea. Never take anything of value on a float trip that you wouldn t want to lose. Leave valuables at your home or lock them in the trunk of your vehicle. If you re floating with a commercial operation, check your keys in with them. If your e floating in your own device, invest in a floating keychain or wallet. 
5. Every gravel bar along the river is open to the public and can be utilized for camping and other activities. Public users cannot stop at every gravel bar, only public access areas. Please obey posted  no trespassing  signs. 
6.There isn t a user fee required to float the river. While the previous $1 per person user fee was done away with in 2008, a different user fee was passed by the Oklahoma legislature in 2009. This statute requires users with their own flotation devices purchase a private flotation device permit. Flotation devices covered by this statute include rafts, canoes,