Staying safe on the Rio: Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office shares tips to minimize risk & stay in the law when you go floating in the river

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Water released from the reservoirs up-stream for the irrigation season has been flowing in the Rio Grande since the beginning of the month, and that means water recreation is in full force.

Popular activities on the river include inter-tubing, kayaking, and floating.

ABC-7 spoke with the Doña Ana County Sheriff's office on what you can do to stay safe, and stay within the law, if you decide to go out on the water this spring and summer.

Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to park on the sides of the river, just as long as it's not within the International Water Boundary and Commission, which Sheriff Kim Stewart says is always marked with signs.

"Just be cognizant of the signs," said Stewart.

"It's not that foot traffic, horseback riding, that cause the problem, it's the vehicles in those areas that cause problems," she added.