What could be better? Riding with friends or family through beautiful scenery, wind and water spray blowing by, with the occasional thrill of shooting through rapids. Whitewater rafting is an exciting recreational activity that first became popular in the 1970s and has only become more widespread in the decades since.

But like most outdoor adventures, the thrills of whitewater rafting come with definite risks. According to the accident statistics provided by American Whitewater, a national nonprofit conservation organization, an average of 6 deaths each year occurred during 1995 through 2005 on U.S. commercial whitewater rafting trips.

Unlike whitewater kayaking or canoeing, which are performed in smaller one or two-passenger vessels, whitewater rafting typically employs much larger inflatable rafts that can carry a dozen paddlers or more, and which are owned and operated by commercial rafting companies. In the western United States, the weather allows for rafting only from May to August, but in the East, the season extends from March to October.

It is important for you to select the right outfitter who will put your group on the appropriate river at the right time and with all of the essential equipment.

The American Canoe Association provides general certification testing for raft guides, raft guide instructors, swiftwater rescue and swiftwater rescue instructors. But, there are no national requirements or standard licensing processes. For example, in Colorado, the minimum state requirement of 50 hours of on-river training must be completed before leading a commercial rafting expedition. And Washington State requires at least fifty hours of training certification. But for Maine river guides, a written test is administered by the State for licensing as a Registered Maine Whitewater Guide. Most jurisdictions require at least first aid and CPR training, and most rafting companies require guides to obtain swiftwater rescue certification as well as to pass check-out tests on the specific stretches of rivers where they will guide.

When choosing a rafting company, ask about the certification level and training of the guides.  Also ask the company how long they have owned and operated their business, and ask about their safety record. Inquire about the equipment being provided, whether wetsuits are needed and if helmets are required.

The difficulty of the rafting trip will be indicated by the class assigned to the stretch of water to be navigated. Most commercial raft trips will be offered on water rated Class 1 or 2. You should inquire as to the class level of your selected trip and confirm the classification on the day of the trip. Classification of a stretch will vary with the level of the river, and the level fluctuates throughout the season.

For any commercial rafting trip, you will be asked to sign a waiver – read it carefully! These documents are enforced, and you may be asked to sign away all your legal rights. Don’t be shy, if you see terms such as “gross negligence,” ask why you are being asked to waive claims arising from such conduct.

Commercially guided trips provide for each raft a guide who assumes responsibility for the raft group, but every participant must realize and assume the risks associated with the serious hazards of whitewater rivers. It is important that you tell your guide if you cannot swim or if this is your first raft trip.

When rafting quickly over the rapids, one small bump can send you into the river. Knowing how to avoid such a situation, as well as what to do if it occurs, can be critical. Most rafting companies will require you to wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and a helmet. A fall into the river can often result in a blow to the head, creating a threat of drowning even for experienced swimmers.

It is essential that you check that your PFD is the correct size. Clip all of the fasteners and tighten the PFD to a comfortable snug.  Before going on the river have a partner lift on your PFD to make sure that it will not slip off. This ensures that if you fall out of the boat, the PFD will not slip off and that you can be hauled back into the raft by your PFD.

When choosing your helmet, be certain that it is placed on your head facing in the correct direction and that the chinstrap is secure.

Dress for cold water. Many of the popular rafting rivers are fed by snowmelt, and the resulting runoff is bitterly cold.  Make sure that your shoes have backs and are waterproof, Lycra water shoes or Velcro strap-on sandals work best; flip flops are not acceptable.

To secure yourself in the raft, wedge your foot between the side of the raft and the inflatable support in front of you. If you are in the front of the raft, some rafts have foot holes to secure your feet.

Each raft will have a perimeter rope, a rope that goes all the way around your raft. If you should fall out of the raft while going down the river, try to grab the perimeter rope on your way over. Or grab it when you get back to the raft.

If you should fall out and travel too far to grab the perimeter rope, a T-Grip will be extended to you from the raft. If a rope is thrown to you, hold it single-stranded over your right shoulder and allow the rafters to pull you to the raft. DO NOT wrap the rope around your body.

If you are just before a rapid or in a rapid when you fall out, assume the whitewater swimmers position. This position places you on your back with legs extended down river, your head back and toes above the water.

Part of knowing the river is understanding the hazards that it may present. Your guide is familiar with the river and will provide instruction on any approaching hazards. Always obey your river guide. Those hazards that create the greatest challenges for novice rafters are high water, cold water, strainers, and obstacles such as dams, ledges and holes.

In addition to the dangers of rafting the river, other general risks should be considered by rafters. Common dangers that can be present include wildlife, hot temperatures and exposed conditions, lack of timely medical attention and inclement weather. Rafters should be aware of the possible hazards and plan accordingly.

If you choose to whitewater raft in the West, you may find yourself at significant altitudes. At high elevations, everyone is affected by altitude to some degree. At elevations of greater than 8,000 ft, your body responds by breathing faster and more deeply, resulting in shortness of breath, especially during exertion. Many people develop mild symptoms including headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, and unusual tiredness. These symptoms usually pass in a few days. Drink a lot of water, and stay away from alcohol and soda. Eat light meals and avoid alcohol until you feel acclimated.

The use of alcohol or illicit drugs before or during river trips is not recommended. It dulls reflexes, reduces decision-making ability, and may interfere with important survival reflexes. Inform your guide of any medical conditions you or someone in your group may have, so that adequate preparations can be made for any situation.  Conditions such as diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, heart condition, or pregnancy should be reported before the rafting trip begins.

If you are injured on the rafting trip, you will be responsible for loss of time or expense incurred. In the event of a special rescue involving helicopters or search and rescue, the cost may fall on the ill or injured person. You may wish to research insurance for an evacuation, sometimes offered with a state fishing license or by purchasing a Search and Rescue card.

With appropriate research when selecting your commercial rafting company, proper attention to equipment and preparation, and a willingness to work as a team member, just about anyone can enjoy the great thrill of whitewater rafting!

— Linda Chalat is an attorney with ChalatHatten & Koupal PC in Denver, Colorado.