Download a brochure about white water safety
Download a brochure for new paddlecraft owners
Safety tips
Follow these guidelines to make your trip safe and fun:
Pick an appropriate stretch of river
Dress for an unexpected swim!
Cold water can rob you of your strength, impair your ability to swim and cause hypothermia. Wear a wetsuit, drysuit, nylon or fleece layers — never cotton!
Use proper equipment
- Coast Guard approved white water life jacket (Type 3 or 5).
- Helmet
- Cold water protective clothing (never cotton) and protective footwear
- Throw rope, whistle, knife
Keep your group close together
- Prepare a float plan and rescue strategy
- Remember: the safety of your group is only as strong as your least experienced member
Recognize and avoid hazards
- Look for fallen trees, low hanging branches
- Rocks and undercuts
- Powerful water hydraulics
Swim aggressively or defensively
- Away from hazards, toward calm water, shore or raft
- Avoid undercut banks and rocks
- Point feet up and pointed downstreams
- Use arms to maneuver
- Don’t stand up! Fast water can entrap your foot, between rocks, push you over and pin you under the surface.
Self rescue
- If spilled, check your partner, get upstream and swim to safest shore
- Leave the boat only when it will improve your personal safety
- If rescue isn’t likely, if the water is numbing cold or if a worse set of rapids is approaching, swim to the safest shore.