Is it safe to let my daughter go whitewater rafting?

Question

My daughter is 15 years old and she got invited by her friend's family to go whitewater rafting. My daughter has never done whitewater before. They are doing Level 3. She has done activites like snowboarding, etc but never whitewater. I am little apprehensive about the dangers of the rocks, etc.

I have done whitewater before, it is extremely fun, but when my raft capsized it was a different story. She is my only daughter and I am very protective of her. I just want your ideas to reassure me if it's a good idea to let her go or not.

Answer 1

Hello.  As a trained whitewater guide I would say that for a person over 12 years old who is reasonably fit and has moderate swimming skills, Class III Rafting is very safe.  Not that it is completely without a risk.  However, the most dangerous part of the whitewater trip is usually the car ride there and back.

Commercial Whitewater companies are usually very safety conscious, provide well trained guides, have good equipment, and give a very good safety briefing before getting on the water.  If they are going on a 'private' trip, however, I would want to know the guide or leader's qualifications before making any assessment.

A capsize or overboard situation in class III whitewater is fairly uncommon.  And swimming a class III rapid with proper technique is not particularly dangerous.  However, I have seen injuries associated with class III rapids so it is not completely without risk.  Very compareable to snowboarding in some ways, as long as proper safety gear (mainly good lifejackets) are being used.

There is not enough information here to be sure, but if they are going on a commercial trip offered by a Whitewater Company with a good reputation I would not worry much.

Answer 2

duh yes take her i went when i was 8

Answer 3

All these "expert" answers are great, but the fact is, you didn't give enough information to warrant such an in depth answer from these "guides" (if only I had a dollar for every "guide" I've pulled out of the water and off of rocks!!).  It's all ego.  The best answer is: if the people she is going with are experienced, and you are comfortable with them/their skills and judgment, then it's STILL your call.

Nobody can assume to tell you how to parent your child.  I grew up on Idaho's wild rivers. Because of that, I'm fortunate enough to have kids that became quite familiar with boating safety at an early age.  You may not have that luxury.  Follow your gut.  No matter what you decide, you are not wrong.

This may not be a whole lot of help giving her an answer, but maybe it will help remind you that sometimes it's OK to say no....and they don't always have to like your reason!!

Boat often....but ALWAYS boat safe!  SYOTR!! (see you on the river)

Answer 4

Any reputable commercial rafting business will state: Rafting is not absolutely safe. Accidents and deaths occur.

Rafting with a commercial service is 'reasonably safe'. Private rafters are another matter!

She needs a PFD and a helmet as well as suitable clothing. Cold water immersion causes the most whitewater deaths. Life expectancy in 40 to 50 degree rushing whitewater is perhaps 5 minutes!

Answer 5

Yes, whitewater is very safe as long as she is with an experienced group. Make sure they give a good safety talk or you may want to give her one yourself. Inlcude facts like, if you go overboard, float on your back with your feet downstream and do not try to stand until your behind is bumping on the bottom.

Answer 6

I've gone white water rafting on the New River in WV twice and here is what i can tell you.

--Sitting in any seat but the very front is safer because it allows you to brace with both feet. front does not.

--Oared rafts and larger rafts are less likely to run into trouble.

--Well trained guides know all the obstacles to avoid.

(I.E. if you fall out, don't go over there)

--Class 3 rapids are not much to worry about, Class 1+2 are usually considered "safe to swim in" with a pfd on and correct form(facing forward, feet legs cushion against rocks).

I would just make sure that she knows all the do's and don't, and that someone experienced with rafting is along.