Safety briefing & trip checklist

Life jackets — always, everyone, no exceptions

Every rental includes a U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFD sized to you (kids' sizes on request). It must be worn and buckled the entire time you're on the water — not stuffed behind your seat. Most river fatalities happen to strong swimmers not wearing one. It's also Virginia law for children under 13.

Whistles & signals

A whistle comes clipped to every PFD. One blast: attention. Two: come to me. Three blasts: emergency, need help. Sound carries better than your voice over moving water.

Water & heat

Bring at least a liter of drinking water per person — the river doubles the sun and you'll sweat more than you notice. In July–August plan on two liters for a full day. Drink before you're thirsty; heat exhaustion on the water sneaks up fast. Alcohol and paddling don't mix — it's the #1 factor in paddling accidents, and it voids our rental agreement.

Sun protection

Water reflects UV, so you burn roughly twice as fast. Waterproof sunscreen applied before launch (reapply at your swim stop), a brimmed hat, sunglasses (strap recommended), and a light long-sleeve shirt beat any lotion for all-day trips.

River hazards — the big three

Lowhead dams: the deadliest thing on any river. Our waters have four you must know: Scott's Mill (right side of Percival's Island — stay left at the start of downtown floats), Reusens Dam, Holcomb Rock Dam, and Snowden Dam (immediately below the Snowden take-out). Never paddle over or near one; portage where we direct. Strainers: downed trees that let water through but not you — give them a wide berth. Foot entrapment: if you swim in current, float on your back with feet up and downstream; never stand up in moving water above your knees.

If you capsize

Stay calm — sit-on-tops don't sink. Hold your paddle, get upstream of the boat (never downstream — a swamped boat full of water can pin you), float feet-first to calm water, then re-board or walk it to the bank. We cover re-entry at the ramp.

Weather & water levels

We watch the USGS gauges and forecast for every trip (you'll see both on your booking review). Thunder means everyone off the water — beaches and gravel bars are your friends. If conditions turn before your trip, we call you and rebook or refund per our terms.

Per-paddler checklist

Run through this for each person in your group on the morning of your trip:

• PFD (life jacket) on and buckled — we size it for you at launch
• Whistle attached to your PFD (included) — 3 blasts = need help
• Water: at least 1 liter per person, more in July–August heat
• Sun protection: sunscreen applied before launch, hat with a brim, sunglasses with a strap
• Shoes that stay on in water — no flip-flops
• Phone & keys sealed in the dry bag we provide
• Snacks for anything over 2 hours on the water
• Know your route: launch point, take-out, and where the dams are (we brief you)
• Told someone on land your plan and pickup time
• Sober and feeling well — no alcohol before or during the float

Questions about conditions on your date? Ask the river guide chat on the homepage or call (434) 555-0199. See you at the ramp. 🛶

This briefing supplements, and doesn't replace, the in-person safety talk at launch and the rental agreement & waiver accepted at booking.