Safety Tips To Follow When River Rafting With Kids

River rafting is an exhilarating hobby that both adults and children can enjoy. Floating down a river with nothing more than a raft creates a truly unique sense of adventure. You'll be able to experience the sights and sounds of mother nature up close and personal, which is something that brings many people back to the hobby If you plan on bringing a child, though, there are a few things you should know to ensure a safe, fun and memorable experience for everyone on board.

Start Small

The most important tip to remember when river rafting with kids is to start small. I'm sure this is common sense to most people, but the bottom line is that you want to choose a slow, low-class river easier to navigate and poses less risk of injury. This will allow children on board to experience an authentic rafting adventure in a safe, controlled manner.

Don't just rely on the class of a river to gauge its speed and power, but instead scout it yourself to see if it's acceptable for children. Go down along the bank and look for patches of rapids. Are they choppy with lots of tall protruding rocks sticking out the surface? If so, you may want to find another part of the river to raft.

Kid-Friendly Lifejacket and Safety Gear

Children require different safety gear than adults, so make sure you have the appropriate lifejackets and helmet for any children whom you wish to take river rafting. Forcing a child to wear an adult-sized lifejacket creates a dangerous scenario where they could slip out. Pay attention to the size and age range of a life jacket to ensure it fits your child. If you're going on a guided river rafting trip, let them know ahead of time that you're bringing a child so they can gather the necessary gear.

Snacks and Drinks

While snacks and drinks are a necessity for all river rafting trips, they are especially important for trips with young children. Being out of the water will quickly sap their energy, creating hunger cravings in return. Keep a secure cooler to your raft that's filled with your snacks, bottled water and any other beverages you choose.

Sun Protection

Unfortunately, sunburn is a real concern that rafters need to be aware of. The constant splashing of water up on your body will give you, and your children, the sensation of being cool; however, without a high-SPF waterproof sunscreen lotion, you can easily become burned after spending a couple hours on the river. If you plan on taking children, make sure they are lathered up in a coat of sunscreen lotion to prevent this from occurring.