Epley’s Raft & Tube Rentals at Barber Park will open for business Thursday, which marks the official opening date for the Boise River float this summer.

The Boise River is down to about 1,650 cubic feet per second and snags have been cleared. Floating is legal, so if you have your own boat, you could go today, depending on your tolerance for slightly cooler weather than normal (the estimated high temperature for the Boise area Tuesday is 71 degrees). Since many people don’t have their own boats, the people at Epley’s will happy to rent you one, beginning Thursday.

The estimated high temperature in Boise on Thursday is 91 degrees, which is excellent for floating on the chilly Boise River.

Epley’s usually opens between June 18 and 23, though last year it didn’t open until July 15.

“We are excited to open earlier than we’ve been able to for the past couple of years,” said Epley’s employee Connie Zeller. ”We know people are anxious to get out on the river.”

Ada County officials want to remind all floaters that the Boise River remains cold and swift all summer long and encourage everyone to wear life jackets on the water.

Officials also say floaters should get of the Boise River at Ann Morrison Park and want to remind everyone that glass containers and alcohol are not allowed on the river.

For more information on raft and tube rentals at Barber Park visit the Epley’s Boise River Rentals website at www.epleys.com/boiselocation.aspx, the Barber Park website at www.adaweb.net/ParksWaterways.aspx, or call the information line at 577-4584.