With the recent rainfall, the water levels have improved on the Raccoon River, which can mean more opportunities for different recreational activities.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Aron Arthur says the river in Greene County has gone from knee- to waist-deep to much higher than that and he cautions people that want to kayak or canoe on the river to be aware of possible obstructions. 

“Outside bends in the water is the fastest part of the water, where there can be trees down, we call those strainers, where if you don’t get away from those and you get stuck, they’ll pull you under the water and you’ll be stuck there. Water is a very powerful thing. So, if you’re going to plan a trip, like I always say, do your homework before you do out so you have an enjoyable trip.”   

Arthur stresses another danger can be the colder temperature of the water, due to the air temperature fluctuation in the spring.

“Make sure you dress for it and wear your life jacket. Anybody over the age of 12 is required to wear a life jacket on a boat that’s moving. But I encourage all adults to do that, especially this time of year because hypothermia is what gets people in the water. You’re going to survive if you have a life jacket on. Especially (when) paddling, in this water, you should always have your life jacket on.” 

Arthur adds that there are areas along the river that allow people to check the flow and gauge what the water is doing that day on the river.