Going white water rafting can be an exciting and fun experience for your whole family, but only if you take the necessary safety precautions. This starts with choosing the right guide for the excursion. You’ll want to choose someone experienced and affiliated with a formal rafting outfitter. Be sure to ask about your guide’s training and inquire about any licenses the organization is required to carry. Additionally, the following tips will help you ensure your family has a fun and safe time on the water.

Wear a Life Jacket

Everyone in your white water rafting group should wear a life jacket for protection. When wearing a life jacket, it’s important to be sure you’re wearing it correctly with all of the buckles fastened. Once it’s secure, it should feel snug, but it shouldn’t be so tight that you have difficulty breathing. You should also make sure the jacket can’t be pulled off over your head. If you’re unsure about the fit of your jacket, ask your guide to check it.

Be Prepared to Work

Other than younger children, everyone in your group should be prepared for a moderate workout. There’s more to white water rafting than just sitting in the raft and letting the waves splash you. Each person will have to do their share of paddling to keep the raft on course. While the guide will certainly help, rafting requires more than one person to steer the direction of the craft. Be sure to follow your guide’s instructions, and prepare yourself by stretching your arms before getting into the raft.

Brush Up on Your Swimming

Everyone in your family should also know how to swim in case they end up in the water. White water rafting is done in rivers with plenty of rocks, so be sure to keep your feet up and away from the bottom of the river as you swim. This will keep you from injuring your feet as you make your way back to the raft.

Following these safety tips will ensure everyone in your group has a great time on the river. This is a great way to get some sun and enjoy a refreshing water ride, but it’s important to be safe and look out for one another. Going over these safety tips with your family will ensure everyone knows how to behave on the water.