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White Water Rafting for Non-Swimmers: Is it Safe?

If you have been postponing your dream of going white water rafting because you could not swim, take that worry off your mind. River outfitters have various packages available for non-swimmers so you can cross the activity off your bucket list.

For example, if you sign up for white water rafting Colorado, you can try intermediate levels in Clear Creek Gold Rush, Upper Colorado River, or Browns Canyon. Companies arrange these routes for kids as young as six years old.

If you are anxious as it is your first time on a raft, you can try class 1 and class 2 rapids. The current allows you to have fun but not strong enough to throw you off the rubber boat. However, non-swimmers can also be eligible for some class 3 rapids, depending on the assessment of the service provider.

But that is the extent that you can go. You will not be allowed in class 4 and class 5 rapids when you go white water rafting in Colorado if you could not swim. It is for your safety. Besides, you must remember that these companies get monitored continuously.

They could lose their license if they bring non-swimmers to class 4 rapids, which is against the rules of the state. All the rules are necessary considering that white water rafting is a huge tourist draw for Colorado.

For instance, in 2018, the industry contributed $176.66 million in total economic impact to the state. Last year, there were a total of 520,217 white water rafting users. Commercial rafting suffered a blow in 2018 because of the drought, which forced some outfitters to close shop temporarily.

Nevertheless, it is still a business day as usual for river outfitters. Canon City continues to take in families, couples, and individuals who want to tame the mighty Arkansas River.

White Water Rafting Safety Tips for Non-Swimmers

If you are determined to sign up for white water rafting, here are some things you should consider for safety purposes.

  1. Make sure the company is licensed. Before securing the license, the outfitter must first prove that their staff is highly trained, and its equipment and gear are up to standards. They must also show their knowledge of the routes to minimize the risks for the customers.
  2. Never take off the life jacket. Before they are allowed to go white water rafting in Colorado, they must first wear floatation devices and helmets. When you are already on board, do not loosen the life jacket or take it out, even if you feel uncomfortable.
  3. Wear proper clothing. Check the weather report. If you are rafting when the water is cold, make sure to wear thermal swimwear. Even if you wear flotation devices, when you become exposed to the cold water, your body’s temperature can quickly go down, which can be dangerous.
  4. Listen to your instructor. You will learn basic safety techniques before the activity. If you fall, immediately lie on your back with your head up. Your feet should be facing downstream. Meanwhile, bring your buttocks up because there are rocks underneath that you could not see.

However, if the outfitter will arrange a class 1 or class 2 rapids for you, being thrown into the water is a rare occurrence. It means you can soak in the experience without worrying about your lack of swimming skills.

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