Catawba River Expeditions
803.327.9335

SAFETY TIPS


PHYSICAL FITNESS
  • It's up to you to determine if you are physically prepared for this activity
  • Be able to lift/carry boats (kayaks are around 40 lbs) if you get stuck on a rock
  • Be able to step in and out of boats with no assistance
  • Stamina and strength are required on paddling trips

TRIPS ARE SELF-GUIDED
  • Guides available for a fee (see rates/trips page)
  • River is easy to navigate, we give you maps and instructions

KEEP THAT LIFE JACKET ON!
  • SC law requires life jackets be on for children 12 and younger.
  • We require that you agree to keep your life jackets on during your trip. 
  • Even if you are a great swimmer, unexpected events can occur in this sport! It's not a question of swimming ability, it's all about how hard the rocks are.

"STRAINERS"
  • Fallen trees and other objects in the river allow water to flow through, but "strain" out boats and people, which results in pain and injury.
  • Scan ahead on the river to make sure you avoid strainers!

READ THE RIVER
  • Ripples in the water indicate a rock below the surface, behind the ripples.
  • Go around the ripples.

FOLLOW THE ARROWS
  • At a rapid or other obstacle, look  for ripples/waves that point downriver in the shape of a V or arrow.  Look for wide spaces between the rocks with obvious water flow in the shape of a downriver arrow.
  • If the arrow is pointing at you, there's a rock there.
  • If the arrow is pointing downriver, follow the arrow for the easiest path
  • (There are no actual arrows painted on the rocks)

STUCK ON A ROCK?
  • Don't lean over to the side!
  • If you lean too far, you get wet, lose your stuff, and say bad words
  • Try to back off the rock using paddle/hands or do the butt-scoot forward

IN THE WATER?
  • Don't panic!
  • Keep hold of your paddle and boat
  • Keep your body between boat and upriver so you don't get knocked over by boat
  • Swim to a rock, shallow area, or side of river to dump out water and get back in
  • If boat has water in it, open drain plug, tip water to that end and wait for it to drain (replace plug)
  • Hop back in and enjoy the rest of the float

CHILDREN (Link to boating safety for kids  pretty cool)
  • Please make sure your children are old enough to stay seated in the boat
  • Even the best behaved kids might lean over and send everyone overboard!
  • Your child's safety is top priority - teach them to keep life jackets on, float with feet in front of them (so no foot gets trapped in a rock) and stay calm until you can grab them
  • Only bring your children if you are comfortable with your paddling skills - you will be responsible for their safety!

LOST PADDLE or BOAT ?
  • Look around and blow your whistle/wave at other paddlers for assistance
  • If no one responds, call us on your cell phone, number is on map we gave you
  • If you don't return at the agreed-upon time and we can't reach you by phone we will begin a search
  • PLEASE REMAIN WITH YOUR BOAT IF POSSIBLE!
  • Please don't hike into the woods seeking help.  There are no roads along the river that are accessible, and you may get very lost.  We will be looking for you via river, and it is difficult to spot you if you are not with your boat or paddle.  We will come to find you, it just may take some time! Rescue efforts will be implemented if you miss your take out time. 
  • Keep your life jacket on, blow your whistle, and wave your paddle when you see someone.