Top five things you should know before getting on the water

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1. Know the flow before you go.
On a normal weekend, we release water from Remmel Dam for recreational use from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. But there are times when we must release extra water, and this will be too much water for some, depending on your skill level. Around 3,500-4,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) is a good level for recreational use. For other days and times, check our projected releases on facebook.com/lifeonthelakes.

2. A typical float lasts three to four hours.
A typical float lasts three to four hours to get from Remmel Dam to the whitewater park in Malvern. Plan your trip so that you’re off the river within two hours of the end of the release (typically around 7 p.m.). Vehicle access to the Remmel Dam tailrace area closes at 10 p.m., so plan on retrieving your vehicle before then.

3. Wear your life jacket.
They float. You don’t.

4. Bring a trash bag.
Bring a trash bag, preferably a mesh bag. This is the law.

5. Never take glass containers.
Never take glass containers on the river. This is also the law.