— TAHLEQUAH — Patty Chaloupek and friends knew what to do before their Friday morning float down the Illinois River.

Chaloupek, a Canton resident, smoothed on sunscreen. Mary Parkhurst of Fairview bought a brimmed cap for herself and her 11-year-old daughter Kirsten. Everyone made sure to pack the cooler with plenty of ice and sports beverages.

People are flocking to the river and area lakes to find relief from scorching, 100-plus degree heat.

However, the heat is taking its toll on the water as well, causing river and lake levels to drop.

“Each day we get by with 100-degree weather, the Illinois River loses a quarter-inch,” said Ed Fite, administrator for the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Commission.

River level at the U.S. 62 bridge Wednesday afternoon was 4.59 feet with a discharge of 109 cubic feet per second, the OSRC reported. The average level at the bridge should be 5.1 feet with a discharge of 281 cubic feet per second.

Even with a low river, outfitters report brisk business.

David Spears, owner of Arrowhead Resort said he’s having the best year ever.

“We put out 200 guests (on the river) yesterday and are expecting 900 to 1,000 over the weekend,” Spears said.

But, he said, conditions are “not as ideal as they should be.”

He’s been recommending the shorter, six-mile trips instead of longer ones.

“A six-mile trip will be about three-plus hours, and I put a big emphasis on the plus,” Spears said.

“A 12-mile trip normally takes four to six hours on a raft,” said Archie Peyton, owner of Peyton’s Place. This summer, “it could take 12 hours.”

Peyton said he not only encourages guests to opt for the shorter trips, he’s encouraging kayaks and canoes.

Even though canoes and kayaks are faster in the low water, Arrowhead guests still prefer rafts, Spears said.

Fite said he’s recommending shorter trips and using kayaks and canoes.

“There is no flow to the water,” he said. “You’re basically paddling in still water.”

Chaloupek said she was part of a group of 25 friends and family members, mostly from northwest Oklahoma. She said this is the second year the group has floated the Illinois together. She said some people in her party even plan to float themselves — no kayak, canoe or raft.

Fite said floaters, swimmers and wading fishermen should always wear a lifejacket. He said floaters also should be aware of fallen trees and other debris.

Paul Chapman of Okmulgee spent Friday wading and around the river with his brothers and sisters.

He said the water “hasn’t gone past my navel.”

Lake levels throughout northeast Oklahoma are below normal.

“Tenkiller looks down, but boating activity seems to be stronger than ever,” said John Kilgore, interim manager at Tenkiller, Greenleaf and Cherokee Landing State Parks.

The Army Corps of Engineers said Tenkiller is 3.9 feet below normal, Fort Gibson 1.1 foot below normal and Eufaula is 2.4 feet below normal.

Even with the water, people going out in the sun and heat must protect themselves.

Fite said people should drink plenty of fluids before going out in the heat and while in the heat.

Indian Capital Technology Center sports medicine teacher Meagan Caldwell said people should hydrate themselves with water, sports drinks and juices, not caffeinated beverages.

People also should wear hats, sunscreen and light clothing.

Spears, who had skin cancer, said “I wear a big ole’ wide brimmed hat.”

Reach Cathy Spaulding at (918) 684-2928 or cspaulding@muskogee

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