Is It Safe?

Safety, particularly the safety of your kids, is a primary concern for you. And it’s certainly a primary concern of ours. We work very hard to provide you with a safe and fun family river adventure. 

We have an outstanding safety record. In our 19 years of Rafting with Kids, our worst injury was when a father accidentally hit his son on the head with a paddle. There was lots of blood and it required three stitches to fix. Each year we have a few scrapes and bruises. We can’t guarantee you nothing worse will happen, but it’s not a trip where people are getting hurt everyday, and serious injury is rare.

Here are some of the things we do that help make your trip safer…

Experience – We have been taking families with younger kids for 19 years. We know & practice the standard approaches to safety. But we also know and practice dozens of tips and techniques that are unique to the rivers we run and unique to the age of kids we take rafting down these rivers. You won’t find it in a book or training manual, but it is on the river with you.

Our guides are always on the river with you –This means peace of mind for you and a safer trip. Our guides can stop many problems before they start. They know where and how to run the river and where to stop and play. Our guides are trained in CPR and First-Aid. And a First-Aid Kit is included on all trips.

Training – Yes, we train our Guides in Safety, First-Aid, and River Rescue; but more importantly we train them to be proactive and to be aware of potential developing problems and act before they become a problem.  Prevention is a critical part of safety. And preventive action is a critical part of our training.

Equipment – We have quality commercial grade equipment. Most every outfitter does now. What sets us apart is that we have a variety of quality gear especially suited for families with younger and preteen kids. 

Personalized boat selection and personalized equipment outfitting –it's an important part of out safety program. Getting in the right boat, with the right paddle, with a snug but comfortable PFD on are all critical for your fun and safety.

Attitude – Attitude is an important part of safety. We practice and teach a “Safe Attitude” to our staff. A “Safe Attitude” helps prevent most accidents before they happen.

Fleece, Snacks and Water – We take these on all trips Tuck trips and on the Ultimate Nantahala. It may seem like a simple thing, but time and time again they have been a trip saver for a child. To a chilled child, happiness is a warm jacket. To a hungry child, happiness is a cookie or cracker. To a thirsty child, happiness is a drink of water. These same things apply to many adults. And, on a river trip, happiness is safety and safety is happiness.

Best Trip For You  |  Tuck River  |  Nantahala River