GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — Every year tens of thousands of visitors travel to Golden to get a taste of the old west and to cool off in the Clear Creek corridor. On Tuesday, Golden officials held a news conference offering advice to visitors and a stern warning on the dangers of the river. 

As temperatures and water levels rise along the Clear Creek corridor so do the number of visitors. According to Golden officials, all of that traffic can cause some congestion and safety issues. That has the City of Golden concerned.

Golden City Government, Golden Fire Department, Golden Police and Golden Parks and Recreation gathered creekside for some advice and a warning to the public.

“We start combining alcohol with the congestion on the trail, bikers, things of that nature, and the cold waters of the creek [cause] catastrophic consequences,” said Sgt. Ben Salentine of the Golden Police Department.

In addition, the use of alcohol, smoking, vaping, marijuana and the possession of plastic bottles have been banned by the city.

The biggest danger here is the biggest attraction, the Clear Creek corridor. Water sports are allowed, but Golden Fire Chief Jerry Stricker answered candidly when asked if he would allow his grandkids to play in the creek.

“Absolutely not. It’s powerful, it’s relentless, it is not a lazy river, not a smooth tile or glass-bottom like a pool in a hotel,” said Stricker.

The City of Golden has made some adjustments to promote safety on the trails surrounding the creek, and officials highlighted the things you need to know before recreating Tuesday morning. Leaders also discussed how to get alerts if rising creek levels get too dangerous for water sports and recreation.

The golden rule, “know before you go,” not “go before you know.”

You can watch the full news conference on FOX31 NOW.