Plan to tube on Clear Creek? Be aware of the risks, fire crews warn

GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — As the temperature is expected to rise this weekend, many will be looking for ways to stay cool. One of the most popular ways is to grab a tube and float down a river, and one of the most popular locations is Clear Creek in Golden.

While tubing is a good time, the Golden Fire Department warned that it could quickly turn dangerous.

“We do unfortunately lose one or two people from drownings every year,” Golden Fire Lt. Marc Staley said.

To prevent that from happening, Staley asks people to remember the creek is constantly changing, especially as snowmelt makes its way down from the mountains.

“It may have been nice and fun last August. The river’s going to be a lot more dangerous this year,” he said.

Stronger currents are possible this time of year, so proper safety gear is encouraged.

“Wearing things like life jackets, having good footwear,” Staley said.

Clear Creek not like the lazy river, fire crews warn

A group of tubers out at the river on Friday were new to the activity.

“I’ve never done it before and wanted to experience it,” said Jacob, one of those tubers.

He quickly noticed the river could cause trouble.

“The rapids and stuff, there’s a lot of rocks,” he said. “You hit your butt a lot on the rocks and stuff like that.”

That’s another reason Staley said to be aware of your surroundings while on the creek.

“This is not the lazy park, water park river,” Staley said.

But as long as guests enjoy the river responsibly, Staley said those good times will last all summer.

“We’ve already been talking about maybe getting an air mattress or a three-person kayak and coming out and just having fun,” Jacob said.

Staley said with the river’s strength rising, they will likely have to close access at some point until it slows back down again.