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James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park starts patrolling sections of the Colorado River

Colorado River with desert background
​​Northwest Region

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State of Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife combined logo Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park starts patrolling sections of the Colorado River
Colorado River with desert background
Stock image of the Colorado River at James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park. Photo Credit D. Doskocil.

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife James M. Robb - Colorado River State Park launches new River Watch Program to promote safe boating and floating practices while recreating on the Colorado River. 

“We are excited to have this new program in place at the park,” said James M. Robb State Park Manager Pete Firmin. “Since the park is on the river, we get a significant number of visitors that use the park and our boat ramps to access the river. This new program will help us promote safe recreation on the Colorado River here in the Grand Valley.”

The new program, which launched in early June, will be focused on boating safety compliance and education. To date, park rangers have contacted 139 people between the Corn Lake and Connected Lakes sections of the state park. 

CPW places a high priority on river safety and aims to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. River levels and conditions can change daily due to multiple factors, including weather. Those planning to spend time on the river are encouraged to follow these safety tips.

  • Wear a life jacket. 

  • Dress accordingly: though the air temperature may be hot, the water is very cold.

  • Check and scout unknown sections of the river stretches you intend to run.

  • Do not underestimate the power of currents and overestimate your swimming abilities.

  • Don't paddle in conditions you are not comfortable and confident paddling in.

  • Raft with a buddy and avoid floating alone, especially during high flows.

  • If you fall into swift water, do not attempt to stand up because your foot might get stuck in a rock. Point your feet down the river and swim to shore as soon as possible.

  • Never leave children unattended by a river.

To learn more about safe water recreation, visit our website.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.

DISCLAIMER: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website maintains press releases containing historical information that may no longer be accurate. Press releases are dated, which should be noted to determine whether the information provided is current. Please review our current regulations and brochures for up-to-date information.