Tubing season is underway on the Yampa River, with a few new rules this summer. No disposable containers are allowed on the Yampa this year. That’s from an ordinance passed by City Council. It means no cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags or Styrofoam coolers at any time. Reusable containers like a Nalgene bottle are allowed, if they’re attached to your tube. Wear river shoes and not flip flops. Also, a new $5 fee is added to tube sales when tubes are purchased within the city. That money will go toward river education.

 

Here is the full press release from the City of Steamboat Springs.

Summer Tubing Season Brings New River Rules  — New Disposable Container Ban Implemented for This Season

 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-June 16, 2021-Floating your way down the Yampa River is always easy living, but this year brings new rules to make the summer experience even more fun while at the same time protecting this vital waterway.

 

“The new regulations, especially the ban on disposable containers, are imperative in keeping the Yampa River healthy and sustainable for the future,” said Parks, Open Space & Trails Manager Craig Robinson. “The new disposable ban will significantly reduce impacts like trash that effects all users and aquatic life that calls the river home.”  

 

City Council pass the new ordinance banning all disposable containers on the river earlier this year. This means cans, plastic bottles, glass, bags, and Styrofoam cooler are not permitted at any time. Tubers can bring a reusable container like a Nalgene bottle, metal growler or similar beverage holder, which should be securely attached to their tube. 

 

In addition, a new $5 fee will be added to tube sales at the time of purchase within the city. The funds generated will go toward river education, initiatives, and stewardship. As part of the education effort, the city has asked Ollie the Otter and his river friends to spread the word on river etiquette and ways to enjoy the river safely and sustainably.

 

Private tubing is recommended from Fetcher Park to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive. Commercial tubing is permitted from Fifth Street to the James Brown Bridge/Shield Drive when the river flows are below 700 cubic feet per second (cfs). If you are unsure of how to tube, consider going with a pro. Steamboat Springs has several commercial operators, who provide everything you need to enjoy a day on the river.

 

Before you ever dip a toe into the water, all water users should know the basics before you go. Wear the appropriate gear (life vests, river shoes, helmet, etc.), no flip flops, always rig to flip (because it’s not a matter of if, but when) and exercise proper river etiquette.

 

For additional information on summer tubing on the Yampa River, see steamboatsprings.net/tubing.