Soon it will be that time of year for folks to head out on the state’s rivers swollen with snowmelt from the season’s heavy snowfall.

Water experts predict 20,000 cubic feet per second will come down the Colorado River through Glenwood Springs. That’s almost twice the flow the river normally sees in June.

Those numbers should solicit respect from anyone venturing out into the fast current this rafting season.

Respecting Mother Nature means following a few simple rules. Know what you’re doing. Beginner’s luck has no place on the river. Skill does.

That means leaving the inter-tubes at home and passing up any “blue light specials” you might find on inflatable toys or air mattresses. There are plenty of rafting companies to guide you through a safe, fun and enjoyable experience.

The many companies that operate on Colorado’s rivers do so by permit to operate as guides on public land. Their safety record speaks for itself. Most of them are listed on the web at www.rafting-colorado.net.

Would you rather spend a little money on a reliable and professional rafting company or trust Uncle Billy Joe Bob and his World War II surplus raft? Personally, I’ll take the professional every time.

Going out on this year’s swollen rivers with anyone whose skills you are not certain of is asking for serious trouble. A person’s skills need to equal the river and its condition.

When people visit our family during the summer and want to go rafting, we play it safe and take them to one of the local rafting companies for either a half or full day trip.

The second thing you must have is a personal flotation device (PFD) that fits properly and is designed for whitewater. They are called “life vests” or “life jackets” for a reason. A PFD can save your life.

Sound like something you want to take lightly, skimp on or forget? Not.

Helmets are recommended for Class IV or higher white water.

On extended trips I always carry extra clothing and food in a waterproof “dry sack” properly stowed away. People who know me kid me about eating frequently, but I see no reason for going hungry in the outdoors.

I don’t go anywhere without taking enough drinking water. There is no excuse for getting dehydrated while on the river. Even though you are surrounded by water, don’t drink it.

Sturdy footwear is also a must. Long ago I bought a pair of ugly Neoprene booties and they have served me well.

Be sure you have adequate protection from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays. Hats help, but sunscreen with a high SPF rating (30 or higher) should be standard equipment for anything you do outdoors in our part of the world.

Some brands are supposedly water resistant but the secret is applying a lot of the goopy stuff frequently.

Sunglasses with a strap around the neck prevents them from falling into the river are also part of my river gear.

Lastly, don’t forget to have fun.

With 30 years of experience in federal land management agencies, Bill Kight, of Glenwood Springs, shares his stories and concerns with readers every other week.