You Booze, You Lose: River Floaters Warned

It finally feels like summer time on the High Desert, and it seems everyone agrees, as hundreds flock to float the Deschutes River in Bend.

So far, police say, its been pretty reasonable and they haven’t had to get too strict with those breaking the rules.

But even though they haven’t had too much rowdiness, police say they want to remind everyone that alcohol on the river is strictly prohibited.

Officers also want to remind those cruising down the Deschutes that they have up to three units patrolling the river at all times to spot those who might be trying to conceal drinks.

Police say they want people to have fun, just be smart — the consequences aren’t worth the risk to your life or to your wallet.

“If you’re going to be floating the river, you don’t want to be consuming alcohol, because obviously that can impair your judgment, impair your reaction time — and if you happen to fall off or get into the river, you don’t want to be faced with those problems,” said Patrol Sgt. Devin Lewis.

“Also, we don’t want people jumping off the bridges, jumping off roadways or rocks into the river because you never know whats under the river, who might be floating underneath you,” Lewis said.

If you are caught drinking alcohol on the river this summer, it could bring you a $900 fine. But it doesn’t end there. Drinking on the beaches near the river, which are unlicensed premises, could rack up a $500 fine.