The Rainbow River in Dunnellon is a big attraction. Police have a few thoughts on safety.
With the summer fast approaching, Dunnellon city officials want to let those who have plans to spend time on the Rainbow River to remember not to litter, to know the rules, and to be careful on the water.
Dunnellon police officials said they have a boat and an officer who will be patrolling on the river to make sure everyone has a safe time tubing, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling or just cruising in their boat.
Some of the rules to abide by: food items must be stored in a covered container; water, soda and other beverages should be in non-disposable or re-useable containers; boaters, paddleboarders and others should have a safety vest and a whistle in case of emergency.
Bill White, former mayor of Dunnellon and now a Rainbow River Conservation board member, said he spoke with county commissioners last month about expanding the county's presence on the river before traffic gets too heavy. He said county officials have been receptive to the request and residents have seen regular patrols.
"This is a win-win for everyone," White said.
Visiting the river
White said the river is approximately 5 miles, with the county's portion between 3 to 4 miles. Typically, the hectic season starts April 1 and ends Sept. 30. Depending on the current, it usually takes about four hours by tube to cover the river, officials said.
There are several entry points to the river. One is at KP Hole, which is operated by the county. Another is at Rainbow State Park, which is controlled by state officials. There are no entry points to the river within the city limits of Dunnellon, officials said.
Dunnellon city officials said most people using the river enter through KP Hole and exit at Blue Run Park, which is inside the city limits. Some also enter and leave through the state park.
According to county figures, last month they had 8,907 people entering the river through KP Hole. Of those, 6,194 were paddle-crafters. Only 25 were commercial tubers.
At other parks throughout Marion County, the number of visitors approached 32,000 for the month of April, county records show.
There has been talk about people leaving the river and wandering through residences' front yards within the city limits of Dunnellon.
Dunnellon Police Chief Chris Scaglione said they've had issues with people leaving the river and venturing on residents' docks or yards. He said some residents have put up "no trespassing" signs. Officers asking river users to stay away from residents properties.
Rules: Dunnellon officials adopt new rules relating to popular Blue Run Park on Rainbow River
White, who lives on the river, said he has had a few incidents where the weather was bad and river users came onto his property and begged for shelter until it was safe to re-enter the water.
In 2019, there were two reported drownings on the river. Last year, Dunnellon police officials said they had a report of one person who drowned.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: The Rainbow River is about to get even busier
