Safety Concerns
Is Colorado Whitewater Rafting Safe?
Arkansas Valley Adventures has an outstanding safety record on all of its Colorado whitewater rafting trips due to the requirements we place on our guides and equipment to perform to a high standard. Each guide on your Colorado whitewater rafting trip has a minimum of First Aid and CPR as well as extensive training in all aspects of river guiding and rescue. Many of our guides hold certification as Wilderness First Responders or Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). All of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips are equipped with First Aid kits and river rescue equipment. You will receive helmets and coast guard approved flotation devices along with an extensive safety talk prior to trip departure. There are, of course, inherent risks involved with Colorado whitewater rafting trips that everyone should evaluate before getting on the river. Talk to one of our knowledgeable reservations staff for more if you have further questions. We always strive to give a fun, exciting, and safe Colorado whitewater rafting trip to all of our guests!
What if I can’t swim? Can I still go on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip?
Many of our guests can’t swim. We supply type V life jackets that are designed to keep you afloat with no effort from you. The jacket is designed to keep you floating on your back with a floating flap behind your head. This will help keep your head out of the water in rough whitewater conditions. The best trips for you will be the Class I, II and III trips we offer.
What about my medical condition? Is that going to stop me from going on a Colorado whitewater rafting adventure?
When you reserve your Colorado whitewater rafting trip, please inform our reservationists of any medical conditions you or someone in your group may have, so we can prepare for any situation. If you have serious concerns about your condition consider consulting with a physician prior to a Colorado whitewater rafting trip. You are asked to write down any medical conditions on the release you will sign at our office. Please also let your guides know of any conditions: diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart condition, pregnant, wants to get pregnant, etc. Let our guides know so they are fully informed and can help to make you most comfortable on your Colorado whitewater rafting trip.
What if I get hurt on my Colorado whitewater rafting adventure?
We are equipped to handle emergencies and accidents on all of our Colorado whitewater rafting trips; however, we cannot assume any responsibility for injury to participants or damage to personal belongings or for time or expense incurred. In the event of a special rescue involving helicopters or search and rescue, the cost will fall on the ill or injured person. Carrying a Colorado fishing license or Search and Rescue card will give you insurance for extreme evacuation expense. When you’re out here on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip ask our video boater Luke about how that insurance helped him and a few buddies out of a spot.
Is altitude sickness an issue while on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip?
At the high elevations of the Colorado Mountains, everyone is affected by altitude to some degree. At elevations of greater than 8,000 ft (which some of our rivers are) your body responds by breathing faster and more deeply, resulting in shortness of breath, especially during exertion. Many people develop mild symptoms of headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and unusual tiredness. These symptoms usually pass in a few days. Drink a lot of water, stay away from alcohol and soda. Take a few aspirin everyday and eat light meals. This way you can enjoy your Colorado whitewater adventure to the fullest.
What experience do I need to go on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip?
We have Colorado whitewater rafting trips for all ages and abilities. Our Easy and Intermediate Colorado whitewater rafting trips are designed for all ages and abilities. Our Advanced and Advanced+ Colorado whitewater rafting trips are designed for people who have active or aggressive lifestyles. We are more concerned with the fitness level of the person than their rafting experience for their Colorado whitewater rafting adventure.
