Water danger warning issued

COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office warns of dangerous water conditions in the area.

Due to the recent mild weather conditions, many of the area's streams and rivers are flowing at a high rate. The Spokane River flow below the Post Falls Dam is discharging 21,500 cubic feet per second.

"As these conditions continue, many people will inevitably be drawn to the shorelines for recreation and unknowingly put themselves at risk due to the unexpectedly treacherous currents and water temperature," a KCSO press release states.

The KCSO reminds everyone that while you are near or on the water, use extreme caution and wear a life jacket. On average, an adult in water that is 32.5 to 40 degrees will succumb to hypothermia in 15-30 minutes.

Additionally, since the current river levels are higher than normal summer levels, the KCSO had reports of boaters on the Spokane River above the dam creating high wakes that are causing damage to residential properties.

"As a boater, you are responsible for your wake as well as any damage that it causes," the press release states.

For more information on water safety or boater education, contact the sheriff's Recreation Safety Section at 446-2250.