‘Stay away from the water’: Spokane River in North Idaho is site of many drownings

After 14-year-old Spokane resident Henry Jack drowned last week near Corbin Park in Post Falls, authorities are urging the public to stay out of the Spokane River in North Idaho.

The boy was at least the seventh person to drown in that stretch of the river in the past 12 years.

“Usually someone drowns at that location every year,” said Sgt. Ryan Miller, who has been on the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office dive team for more than a decade.

In June 2020, two men drowned within 24 hours of each other. One died after his kayak capsized. The other jumped into the river to try to save his wife and child after their kayak tipped over.

Neither man wore a life jacket.

Each year, emergency personnel say they respond to numerous near-drownings at the popular recreation spot, where large red signs warn of a strong undertow and currents.

“Hazardous waters,” the signs read. “Enter at your own risk.”

Swirling waters, swift eddies and a 30-foot drop-off create especially perilous conditions while the Post Falls Dam is pushing large volumes of water.

But even when the water flows at its slowest speed, people should stay out of the river, according to officials.

Each part of the shore comes with its own hazards, Miller said. The east side is all jagged, slippery rock. Closer to the boat launch, weeds and underwater debris create difficult terrain.

“It’s always a dangerous place to be,” he said.

The water is deceptive, Miller said. It looks like it’s moving much slower than it really is, but the current is powerful.

“You won’t be able to swim against it,” Miller said. “The current is always stronger than the person.”

Because of how often they have to respond to incidents in that stretch of river, the dive team trains there.

But even professional divers never enter the water alone. Rafters, kayakers and swimmers shouldn’t, either.

“If you’re absolutely going in, know what you’re doing and be prepared for the challenges,” Miller said.

That means wearing helmets and life jackets, he said.

But the best safety measure is to avoid the area entirely.

“Stay away from the water,” Miller said. “There’s other places in Kootenai County where you can enjoy water.”

This story was originally published July 22, 2022 at 2:53 PM.