White Water Rafting Safety
The Downstream Approach to Safety
At Downstream Adventures, we’re committed to providing you with the safest and most exciting rafting experience possible. Our expert guides and comprehensive safety protocols ensure you can focus on the thrill of the rapids while we handle the details.
Pre-Trip Safety Orientation
Every whitewater rafting adventure begins with a thorough 10-15 minute safety briefing where you’ll learn:
- Essential safety procedures – How to stay in the boat and position yourself for rapids
- Self-rescue techniques – What to do if you fall out of the raft
- Paddle commands – Communication signals between you and your guide
- Emergency protocols – Important safety procedures specific to your trip
After the group orientation, you’ll meet your individual guide in smaller groups for personalized instruction tailored to your experience level.
Professional Guide Qualifications
Your safety depends on expert leadership. Every Downstream Adventures guide has:
- State of Colorado certification for professional river guiding
- CPR and First Aid certification for emergency medical response
- Swiftwater rescue training specialized for river environments
- Ongoing safety education that exceeds state requirements
Additionally, our world-class safety kayakers provide backup support throughout your journey, ensuring multiple layers of protection on the water.
Understanding River Risks
Colorado’s rivers – including Clear Creek, the Arkansas River, and Upper Colorado River – are wild, free-flowing waterways that offer incredible adventure alongside inherent natural risks. We take every precaution to minimize these risks while preserving the authentic whitewater experience you’re seeking.
Before booking a whitewater rafting trip in Colorado, please consider:
- Any physical limitations within your group
- The difficulty level of your chosen trip
- Weather and water conditions on your trip date
- Understand the different whitewater rapids classifications to prepare ahead of time
Have questions about trip difficulty or safety concerns? Call us – we’re here to help you choose the right adventure.
What To Bring
- Any white water gear or clothing, if you have it! Please note that due to industry standards, you must use the personal flotation devices (PFDs) that we provide.
- Layers of synthetic fleece and wool. Cotton does not retain heat when wet and is not recommended. Tops, bottoms, socks, and anything else warm (not cotton!) come in handy during early season and on rainy days.
- Secure shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Sports sandals with secure straps are fine, but please do not bring Crocs or any flip flops. You will want your footwear to stay on in the event of a swim. Wool, fleece, or neoprene socks will help keep you warm on chilly days.
- Dry clothes and a towel. You may be a bit chilly after the trip, and no one wants to head home sopping wet!
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Baseball caps may be worn under the helmets. You will likely want a strap for your sunglasses, too. If you don’t have any, we sell them in our store, so feel free to pick them up.
What To Leave At Home
Whitewater rafting trips have a thirst for valuables.
Please do not bring:
- Jewelry
- Phones
- Cameras
- And various other expensive trinkets
We recommend that you do not take valuable items rafting unless you are willing to accept the risk of dropping it in the water.
What to Know Before Rafting in Colorado
- What’s the minimum age for rafting?
- Age requirements vary by river and trip difficulty. Generally, children as young as 6 can participate on beginner trips with proper supervision. We’ll help you choose the right adventure based on your group’s ages and experience levels.
- What do I do if I fall out of the raft?
- Don’t panic! Float on your back with feet up and pointed downstream, keep your life jacket zipped, and listen for your guide’s instructions. Our guides are trained to quickly get you back in the boat or guide you to shore safely. This scenario is covered thoroughly in your pre-trip briefing.
- How dangerous is white water rafting?
- When conducted with proper safety measures, rafting is statistically safer than driving to the river. Our professional guides, safety equipment, and comprehensive training protocols minimize risks. Most “dangers” are actually manageable challenges that make the adventure exciting rather than truly hazardous.