While you may think that whitewater rafting and swimming go hand-in-hand, you actually don’t have to have strong swimming abilities to go rafting with Tributary! The majority of your time will be spent in the actual raft, after all, and not in the water.
We love sharing whitewater rafting with everyone, and offer accessible ways to experience the beauty of our rivers. We have a whole host of trip options that cater to non-swimmers, from half-day adventures to multi-day wilderness expeditions.
How Do I Stay Safe as a Non-Swimmer?
Safety is our number one concern while on the river. All of our guides are highly trained in safe rafting techniques, swift water rescue, and basic wilderness first aid. They’ll go over an extensive safety briefing before bringing you on the water, and you will be given a well-fitting lifejacket, and a helmet.
Once on the water, there will be places to tuck in your feet on the raft and instruction on how to properly sit and paddle.
What Happens If I Fall In?
Non-swimmers can join our Class II and Class III white water rafting trips. You’re unlikely to fall in and if you do, swimming abilities are not required. Your lifejacket will keep you afloat until you’re pulled back into the raft. However being prepared is key and your guides will give you instructions on what to do if you fall out – the main takeaway is to not panic.
What Rivers Can I Raft If I Can’t Swim?
Rapids are the most dangerous and difficult part of rafting and are where you are most likely to fall out of the boat. All of Tributary’s non-swimming trips have been specifically chosen because they feature safer, smoother rapids.
Whitewater rapids are rated by class, from Class I, which is fast-moving water with small waves, to Class V and IV, which have waterfalls, big waves, and boulders. Rivers with Class II rapids are the perfect sweet spot for non-swimmers, since they are fun and splashy, without being too scary. We offer many Class II trips for non-swimmers, from a half-day float on the Lower Middle Fork American River to a two-day wilderness camping, rafting, and hot spring soaking trip on the East Fork Carson River. Most of these trips are also great for young families, including kids four years and older.
If you’re looking for something a tiny bit spicier, Tributary also has several Class III rivers, like the South Fork American River, that you can raft even if you can’t swim. Check out our Trip Finder, to see all of our trips. You can filter our available rivers by class and swimming ability to find the right option for you.
