June 30--Two sets of Boise River floaters got dumped in the water -- and received help from the Boise Fire Dive Rescue Team -- after their rafts collided with Park Center bridge pillars Sunday night.
The river is running high and fast, about 1,500 cubic feet per second, whereas it's typically at 1,000 cfs or less at the height of float season, according to Boise Fire Battalion Chief Tom Pawek. Floaters are encouraged to wear lifejackets and shoes, and come with a plan in case members of the group get separated.
The dive team was dispatched to the river at 7 p.m. Sunday, when witnesses reported that a woman was holding on to a piece of wood pinned against a bridge pillar. While aiding the woman, they saw two other women -- both wearing life jackets --get dumped into the river when their raft hit a different bridge pillar.
All were brought safely to shore. The team transported the first woman and her boyfriend to Ann Morrison Park, where they were reunited with friends who went missing when their boat overturned.
While on the river, the dive team did a quick sweep to see if there were others who needed help.
Copyright 2014 - The Idaho Statesman
