River Floating Safety Must Knows

With summer around the corner it’s about that time to get outside and cool off with some river floating. Whether it’s floating down the Provo River, or taking on white water rafting adventures elsewhere, there are important safety tips to remember. Also, for any raft rental places out there, it’s crucial to provide a waiver to customers to protect you alongside a lawyer in a wrongful death case. 

Know the River 

Before hopping on a raft into unfamiliar waters, be aware of what you are getting yourself into — literally. Rivers can often be unpredictable. Meaning, all rivers have different currents and the waters can change from mild to rapid unexpectedly. Always be sure to research and talk to others about the river you are about to float down beforehand. For example, the Provo River is popular for its slower current that allows you to casually float down. Where other rivers are more infamous for their raging waters, which require a higher skill level and proper equipment. 

Equipment 

Whether you’re floating in Provo or rafting the white waters, there is some basic equipment you want to bring along. First, always wear a life jacket. Even if you know how to swim, a life jacket is crucial to your safety in case of unpredictable currents and will protect from a wrongful death. Second, it’s always a good idea to wear some type of shoes that securely strap to protect your feet from the bottom of rocky and sharp river bottoms. Lastly, it’s important to remember that you will be in the sun all day, so wear appropriate sun protection items such as sunscreen, hats and secured sunglasses. 

Waivers

Now that you know the ins and outs of river safety, it’s important that your equipment renter talks to a lawyer and is aware of liability issues. Before renting out a raft, tube or kayak, you will most likely be asked to sign a waiver. This isn’t to scare you. However, it is to share the risks of injuries and protect the renter from a wrongful death and the need to hire a lawyer. 

Alyssa Koenig is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.