Water Safety

Idaho is home to abundant open bodies of water, from rivers and expansive lakes to irrigation canals and reservoirs. Whether fishing along the Boise River, floating the Boise, or surfing the wave at the Boise Whitewater Park, water is a central part of life in Boise.

While these water resources offer endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, they also come with inherent risks. Water safety is paramount to ensure that everyone, adults and children alike, can enjoy Idaho’s waters safely and responsibly. Understanding the potential hazards and following key safety guidelines can help prevent accidents and save lives.

Explore our water safety tips and resources to stay prepared and protected while enjoying the best of Boise’s water adventures.

The beach at Quinn's Pond during the day.

Essential Water Safety Tips

Never leave children unattended in or near water. Children are drawn to water.
Do not swim in canals
Learn to swim. Seek out your local partners in the community that offer swimming lessons.
Use the buddy system. Never swim alone.
Follow all posted rules. If no rules are posted, use common sense.
Wear a life jacket when swimming in or paddling on the water.
Swimmers with limited water experience should stay in water less than chest deep.
Know the water you are in, and all possible dangers associated.
Do not swim if there are indications of bad weather.
Do not dive head first unless the area is posted for diving.
Do not swim or boat while under the influence of alcohol.
Visit the Float the Boise website (https://www.floattheboise.org/) for information on the official float season for the Boise River.

Canal Safety

Canals are extremely dangerous and should never be used for recreational activities. It's important for all Idaho residents, especially children, to understand the serious risks associated with canals. Canals have fast-moving currents, steep, slippery banks, and hidden debris. Canals are not a safe place for children to play--- always keep a close eye on children and pets when near canals to prevent accidents. Never enter a canal, ditch, lateral or drain to retrieve anything, including toys, clothing, pets or anything else. Contact your local irrigation manager to help safely retrieve items in one of these bodies of water.

People on paddle boards at a park during the day.

Safety at Boise Parks, Ponds, and Pools

The City of Boise’s Parks and Recreation Department manages several parks with ponds and water features open to the public for swimming, paddling, and fishing. While these are all great options for you and your family, no lifeguards are on duty at public swimming ponds or the Boise Whitewater Park. More information on amenities and hours of operation at each park location is available online: Esther Simplot Park, Quinn’s Pond, and J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park.

For more options, check out City of Boise pools.

Life Jackets

In Idaho, wearing a life jacket is essential for staying safe on the water. State law requires that all recreational vessels have a Coast Guard approved life jacket available for each person onboard. Vessels include stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, inflatable rafts, fly-fishing tubes and more. Children ages 14 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket on a vessel 19ft or less.

Thanks to a generous grant from St. Luke's Health System, free life jackets are available at loaner stations located at both Quinn's Pond and the ponds at Esther Simplot Park. Families can stop into nearby Idaho River Sports (601 N Whitewater Park Blvd.) to be fitted for a free life jacket to use while they swim. Please return your loaner life jacket when you're done for the day so that others can take advantage of this life-saving resource.

Visit the map from Idaho Parks and Recreation to locate other life jacket loaner stations across the state.

Children receive help putting on life jackets.

How to Stay Safe on the Boise River

The Boise River is a beautiful and popular spot for recreation in Boise. Visit the Float the Boise website for safety information, updates on the float season, and an interactive map.

Send a Message to Fire Prevention

If this is an emergency, please call 911.