The phrase “whitewater rafting” is synonymous with high adventure. And as with any adventure of this kind—mountaineering, rock-climbing, backcountry skiing, etc.—there’s an element of danger that helps make the pursuit so tantalizing, not to mention intimidating. Whitewater rafting safety is of paramount importance, even as we recognize that this is an activity a wide array of people—young and old, physically fit and not so much—can participate in. With the right planning, preparation, and assistance, that is!
At Echo Canyon River Expeditions, we’ve led trips on the world-class Arkansas River—serving up some of the best whitewater rafting in Colorado—since the late 1970s, and safety’s always been our chief guiding principle. (As it should be for any respectable rafting outfitter, we might add.) Signing on to one of our itineraries, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy a safe adventure with guides who know how to handle emergencies and contingencies of all stripes.
In this article, we’ll run through some basic whitewater rafting safety precautions to help you better prepare for your downriver adventure. Let’s get going!
Safety Concerns While Whitewater Rafting
How safe is whitewater rafting? Well, any sort of water recreation—very much including a dip at the local indoor swimming pool or a lazy afternoon at the lakeshore beach—comes with the element of risk. Whitewater rafting, exposing you to water in one of its fiercest, most magnificently wild guises, can certainly be dangerous.
The dangers, though, are hugely reduced when you choose a responsible river outfitter, select the right route, properly equip yourself, and practice common sense.
Major rapids can toss you from a raft and send you downstream through rocks, waves, and pour-overs; obstacles such as holes or hydraulics can hold give you quite a washing. And foot entrapments are possible on many sections of river. Immersion in cold snowmelt water also comes with the risk of hypothermia.
Again, though, if you’re suited up in the right protective gear, running a river reach appropriate to your abilities under the watchful eye and steady hand of a good guide, Arkansas River rafting (and any other whitewater adventure) can be quite safe. It’s an adventure even complete beginners—heck, even folks who don’t know how to swim (though we always recommend you do have swimming ability before signing on to a rafting trip)—can enjoy.
Perhaps the single most important whitewater rafting safety tip is this: listen to your guide. Following directions is essential when running a whitewater river; respect your rafting guide’s knowledge, skill, and instincts, and you’ll be covering your bases.
Safety Precautions at Echo Canyon
With decades of experience leading rafting trips on the wildwater of the Arkansas River, we’re proud of our safety record and overall reputation here at Echo Canyon River Expeditions. The well-being of our guests on the Colorado rafting experiences we offer directs absolutely everything we do.
Equipment
At Echo Canyon, we’re on the cutting edge: We’ve created safety protocols that have been embraced by the state of Colorado and passed down to other outfitters. When it comes to safety equipment, we provide far more safety and medical gear in our boats than the state requires. All of our guests will be suited up in U.S. Coast Guard Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and helmets, and our various rafts are of the highest quality.
Professional Guides
You could say that our Echo Canyon River Expeditions guides are over-trained, but in our opinion, the best-in-class training we put our staff through is what any river outfitter should aim for. Our experienced rafting guides get roughly five weeks of hardcore, on-the-river training, well above the usual two weeks most other rafting outfitters hold to.
You can join an Echo Canyon whitewater trip on the Arkansas River in full confidence that your guide is as dedicated, knowledgeable, and safety-oriented as you could ask for.
Preparation & Protocols
What do I need to prepare for white water rafting? Dressing appropriately is a fundamental component to safe rafting: Garb yourself up in materials that dry quickly and are moisture-wicking, or which stay comfortable when wet. That means always avoiding cotton—which gets wet, stays wet, and makes you cold. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle are other essentials. (A cell phone, by the way, is not—especially not when you’ve got the Echo Canyon team ready and willing to document everything with our state-of-the-art GoPro cameras!)
What happens if you fall in while white water rafting? Our guides are rigorously trained for rescue operations, for one thing. And we have a thorough screening process, more robust than most of our competitors. You should always be fully aware of the whitewater class and other characteristics of the section you want to raft, and the potential consequences that come with said section.
Be honest and upfront about your physical condition, swimming abilities, and any medical issues you might have: Your rafting guide will be your first responder on the river. This means being honest with yourself, too: Don’t bite off more than you can chew. There’s a rafting trip for just about everyone, even non-swimmers. An easy float through jaw-dropping scenery is still an unforgettable experience!
Book Your Next Whitewater Adventure
Experience a secure and exhilarating adventure on your next whitewater rafting excursion. With professional tours and high-quality equipment, Echo Canyon is ready to provide you with an exceptional journey through the rapids. Secure your spot now.
