River Education and Safety

The South Fork American River is a dynamic water environment. Water levels and conditions can change without warning. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Information, training and gear are very important to having a fun and safe experience on the river. Consider using a professional outfitter familiar with the area.

Breathe, relax, breathe illustration

River rescue illustration

Before You Go

  • Check your equipment and supplies.
  • Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are required to be worn on the South Fork American River on any floatation device.
  • Plan for the water. The air may be warm, but the water is cold. A Wet suit or Dry suit may be recommended.
  • Use river shoes or sandals. Don’t use Flip Flops on the river.
  • Sun protection is important. Use sunscreen and consider long sleeves and a hat if not using a helmet.
  • Use sunglasses with a retention strap such as Croakies.
  • Bring water and snacks.
  • Have a change of clothes for the takeout.
  • Check weather and road conditions.

River Safety Education

River Flow is measure in Cubic Feet per Second (CFS).

  • CFS is how many cubic feet of water flows passed a given point in one second.
  • One cubic foot of water is 7.5 Gallons and weighs about 63 pounds.

River conditions change dramatically depending on flow levels.

Hypothermia can happen quickly in cold water. Proper attire and quality gear are very important.

  • Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Untreated, it results in death. Body temperature falls when the body cannot produce heat as fast as it is being lost. Deep-body or core temperature falls and the body begins to malfunction.
  • 120 Degree Rule: If the combined air and water temperature is 120 degrees or less. Wearing a wet suit, dry suit, and insulating layer is essential. 

The right gear can be a life saver.

  • Helmet: The most important feature of a river helmet is good coverage of the head, including ears, temples, and back of the neck. It should have a well-fitted chin strap. An insulating layer, such as fleece or neoprene, offers additional warmth and protection.
  • Wetsuit: A wetsuit provides maximum protection from injury and adds flotation and padding. It maintains its effectiveness even when it is ripped or damaged. A paddle jacket can eliminate wind chill factor.
  • Drysuit: Functions as a wind and water proof shell, creating a barrier against the elements. Layering underneath for warmth can vary with conditions.
  • Shorts: Protect your wet or dry suit from abrasion and give you traction when seated and wet.
  • Personal Flotation Device: PFDs (also known as a life jacket) should be worn by all boaters on the South Fork. The most important factor in selecting a PFD is fit and flotation. A properly fitted PFD cinches at the torso and does not ride up around the face in rapids. A good test of fit is to have a paddle buddy pull the shoulder straps upwards before you leave shore. A well-fitted PFD will budge only slightly. The PFD must have enough flotation for your body weight combined with the level of difficulty of the river. The conditions of the South Fork warrant PFDs rated Class III or Class V.
  • Gloves: Cold air and water can rapidly sap energy and sensitivity from a paddler's hands. Even on a borderline weather day, carry hand protection for the possibility that conditions may change later in the day.
  • Foot Wear: Warmth plus traction, a must for walking on slippery surfaces. Wet suit booties may not be enough. Sneakers with polypro socks are often better. Remember, part of the boating happens on land. Cold feet? Wear a hat! A hat will help keep your hands and feet warm by reducing loss of body heat through your head.
  • Cotton Kills: When cotton gets wet, it stays wet and it gets colder in the air. Synthetic layers dry quickly, wick away moisture, and retain body heat even when wet.

River safety is everyone’s responsibility. Proper education and equipment are important to prevent injury and loss. Familiarize yourself with local ordinances as well as understanding safe river practices.

More information on river safety: Swim Safety Information(PDF, 4MB)

High Water Considerations

When river flows are higher than you’re familiar with on the river, here are some things to think about before deciding to get on the river:

Preparation, Planning, Skills

  • Advanced boating skills are recommended.
  • Inner tubing at higher flows on any section of the South Fork American River is not advisable.
  • Some Rapids may be more difficult and less forgiving than at regular flows.
  • Time between rapids can be greatly reduced.
  • Guides should have experience on large volume and pushy flows.
  • Self-rescue knowledge is crucial (ex. recovery from flips, aggressively swimming to safety).
  • Knowledge of standard hand signals may be helpful.
  • River rescue training experience is recommended.
  • The “normal route” through a rapid may no longer work, due to large waves and holes that form at higher water levels.
  • Scout a rapid if you do not know the high-water route.
  • Due to cold water and strainers, long swims are extremely hazardous.
  • Single boat trips should be avoided.Gear Guy.PNG
  • Know emergency egress locations and have an emergency plan.
  • Use proper boat spacing (stay close together).

Equipment

  • Dress warm (wear a wetsuit or drysuit) – Avoid cotton clothing!
  • Wear a life jacket designed for paddle sports (no horseshoe or waterski vests).
  • Use multi-chambered whitewater rafts only.
  • Rig for flips - No loose lines or gear.
  • Bring extra paddles and warm dry clothing.

Group Fitness

  • Long, hard paddling may be needed at higher water.
  • You should have the ability to help rescue yourself or others.

Cold Water Dangers

  • Your body loses heat and strength quickly.
  • You can quickly lose your ability to swim to safety, rescue yourself or others.

If you are not familiar with the concepts listed above, consider going with a permitted outfitter with professionally trained guides. You can access a list of permitted outfitters on our American River Rafting Outfitters page.

Tuber Tips and Safety

Tubing the South Fork American River can be exciting and fun. Follow these tips for a safe and memorable trip:

  • Wear an appropriate Personal Floatation Device (life jacket) Coast guard approved. PFD’s are required to be worn on the South Fork American River on any floatation device.
  • Wear good water shoes with a heal strap. Flip flops come off easy and get lost and walking on rocky ground can cause injuries.
  • Use sunscreen – even on cloudy days. The water also reflects a lot of the suns light. Reapply the sunscreen often.
  • Toes and nose up if you flip off your tube. Do not stand up in moving water. River bottoms are rocky and may have logs that can trap your feet. Stay on your back and use a back stroke to get to the shore.
  • Hydrate – especially if consuming alcohol. Water is the only way to properly hydrate.
  • Don’t bring glass bottles. Broken glass is a serious hazard. Glass bottles or cups are restricted by County of El Dorado to 100 feet away from the river on all public land.
  • Have a plan – know where you need to take out of the river. It is recommended to not float past Henningsen Lotus Park or possibly Camp Lotus.
  • Respect private property – There are many private homes along the River. Do not trespass on private land unless it is an emergency. Know where the Quiet Zone is and keep splashing, yelling and rough housing to a minimum.
  • Don’t litter – pack out and dispose of trash properly. Each year volunteers remove tons of garbage from the river. Respect the environment.
  • Inner tubing at higher flows on any section of the South Fork American River is not advisable.
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