Rafting Safety

REO has 28 years of operating excellence. We have a stellar safety record and a reputation as an innovator in customer care and service. Rafting is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities available. However, as with all adventure activities there is inherent risk. Choosing a professionally managed and operated company with high safety standards should be your number one priority when booking a rafting adventure.

Safety Training Video

Our industry-leading safety and operating standards include:

Strong Leadership & Management. Founder and President, Bryan Fogelman, was President of the River Outfitters Association of BC in 1988 when comprehensive river rafting regulations were put in place and extensive raft guide examinations and licensing were implemented. Judgment and leadership by risk management decision-makers is the key to ensuring guest safety. All the training, certifications and experience of the guide crew is meaningless if proper decisions are not made. At REO, we have specific rafting protocols for every rapid and every water level on the Nahatlatch. At certain water levels, we close certain sections of the river to maintain strict safety guidelines. By implementing such comprehensive guidelines, REO has been able to provide quality rafting experiences to over 60,000 guests from around the world.

More senior guides. REO is fortunate to attract the best guiding talent in the country. Our wilderness resort and the range of Class 3-5 whitewater available at our doorstep, is a major drawing card for experienced guides. The Nahatlatch and Stein, our premier rivers, are two of the most continuous and exciting rafting runs in Canada. Our guides are challenged day in and day out, and this challenge attracts true whitewater professionals.

The right equipment. All the necessary gear for rafting is provided by REO, including wetsuits, America's Cup lifejackets, paddling jackets, and helmets. All rafting trips on the Nahatlatch, Stein, Coquihalla, and Nicola rivers require wetsuits. Most trips on the Thompson river require wetsuits but later in the summer when the water is warm on the Thompson, guests have the option of not wearing wetsuits. Farmer John/Jane wetsuits and paddling jackets are included as part of all rafting packages. Some people do get cold easier than others and therefore we do offer wetsuit upgrades. Wetsuit upgrades include a full-body O'Neil surf wetsuit with neoprene booties.

What types of boats do you use?
REO uses all high-end self-bailing rafts from a variety of companies. The size of rafts used on a particular trip depends on the guests, the river, and water levels and are the most appropriate for the particular conditions.

Safety kayakers. REO provides safety kayakers on the Nahatlatch and many other rivers to enhance customer safety and service. Each safety kayaker that accompanies a trip will increase the overall safety margin. Our safety kayakers are Class V experts capable of making fast, effective rescues and assisting swimmers back to their rafts. REO was the first company in BC to provide safety kayakers on our Nahatlatch trips over 17 years ago. Today, many companies still do not provide this safety service while operating on the same rivers.

Best guide-to-guest ratio. REO provides one certified guide for every 7 guests, the best service and safety ratio in the industry. Compare our small rafts to other companies that take over 20 people in one raft. These companies say that larger boats are safer. What is true is that the revenues per raft are much higher. We believe a high guide-to-guest ratio is better. And besides, why drive a station wagon when you can drive a Ferrari? Our smaller rafts are more responsive and more fun.

Superb safety talks and operating standards. REO takes great pride in presenting an interesting and complete safety briefing prior to each trip. Our most experienced senior guides and safety kayakers present these safety talks. Following our talk, each guest is asked to perform certain safety drills which include practicing proper paddle commands, pulling a swimmer into a raft and swimming an easy section of whitewater. At difficult rapids, guest's are given the option to get out of the raft and bypass the rapid on shore or assume the added risk of advanced rapids. By providing choices, we will not exceed our guest's comfort zone, and chances are they will come back time and time again. Veteran paddlers who want the most extreme runs will be assigned our most hardcore senior guides.

Waiver & Release of Liability Forms
All participants must sign a waiver and release of liability form prior to trip departure. These are legally binding documents and will limit your ability to sue REO for damages that may occur. REO has a flawless safety record over 25 years of operation on many of the most challenging rivers that are rafted in Canada. However, past performance does not imply that any given trip will be safe and that no losses or damages will occur. Participants must be prepared, use good judgment, and follow the safety procedures and instruction provided. Those that do not adhere to our safety standards and guidelines will not be allowed to continue the trip.

Rafting Safety

International scale for rating whitewater rapids