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While they're doing that, Moffat County Search and Rescue gets ready for one of its busiest seasons of the year.

After hunting and snowmachine rescues, river rafting and kayaking rescues are the most frequent calls Search and Rescue receives, said Sgt. Tim Jantz, a Moffat County Sheriff's deputy.

"In the spring we have steady whitewater rescues. Between here and Duffy Mountain becomes dangerous," Jantz said.

There are a few things water sports enthusiasts can do to make sure they don't need the often expensive services. Depending on what equipment and manpower is required for a rescue, along with the location and severity of the injury, rescue costs can easily climb to the $6,000 to $8,000 range, Jantz said. If a helicopter is required, it's time to break the piggy bank. Rescue costs can climb as high as $20,000.

Jantz can illustrate almost all his safety tips with an accident or tragedy that he witnessed during his 13 years with Search and Rescue.

Always wear a personal floatation device, Jantz said. He recalled three men fishing near Twin Bridges, when a boy who didn't know how to swim fell overboard and drowned.

Carry extra equipment in case you lose an oar or paddle, and keep a cell phone in a plastic bag. It will work in most places between Hayden and Duffy Mountain.

Whether hitting the river or hiking into the woods, let someone know what time you're expected to be back. But when the water is low, be careful not to underestimate how long a river trip will take. Later in the summer, people are often amazed how long it can take to get from Hayden to Craig, Jantz said.

Those waiting for a late outdoor enthusiast shouldn't hesitate to call Search and Rescue.

"We'd rather have somebody call in and say they are concerned and at least have that kind of information. If we find it's a rescue event we are going to go out immediately," Jantz said.

Depending on the severity of the incident, and other conditions, Search and Rescue members might wait until the morning to respond to a call. But if there is any indication a situation is hazardous, the response will be immediate, Jantz said. He said he's performed several midnight rescues during his time with Search and Rescue.

Moffat County provides a wide range of water sports opportunities.

Cross Mountain Canyon contains the county's most dangerous water, and most river riders would be wise to stay away from it, Jantz said. That canyon's Class VI rapids make the water impassable for rafts, and only the most experienced kayakers have the ability to navigate those waters.

Peter Van De Carr, owner of Backdoor Sports in Steamboat Springs, concurred that Cross Mountain is a dangerous place for the inexperienced. He said the Yampa River near Juniper Springs east of Maybell provides some fine water with one Class III rapids, although some hazards are in the area.

Manmade debris, such as railroad ties or just old junk, poses the most serious hazard to kayakers, Van De Carr said.

Strainers and snags, such as fallen trees, create a formidable hazard even on relatively flat water. A rafter will truly understand the force of the river once their raft is pressed against a tree and not going anywhere.

Weir dams, dams built to slow the flow of water so lands downstream don't get flooded, create an innocent looking hazard, Van De Carr said. The water at the bottom of the small dam looks still, but it can grab a kayak and make it very difficult for a kayaker to get out.

Kayakers should get out of the river and walk around them Van De Carr said. One can ride over it, but he recommends paddling as hard as possible to be sure of escaping its pull.

Rob Gebhart can be reached at 824-7031 or by e-mail at rgebhart@craigdailypress.com.