Safety and Risk

Wild Water Adventures complies and exceeds industry standards. We comply with Transport Canada’s Canada Shipping Act “Special Purpose Vessel Regulations”. We comply with the recommendations laid out by the British Columbia River Outfitters Association (BCROA) and the special provisions established by the BC Registrar of Commercial Rafting currently managed by BCROA.

Wild Water Adventures is the only company on the Kicking Horse River that uses centre-mount rowing frames paired with low-profile 16′ rafts. These rafts deliver a significantly bigger splash factor—one of the many reasons we love whitewater rafting—while the centre mount frame gives guides superior control. This setup also means we only need four paddlers in the raft, reducing the number of paddles in motion and minimizing the risk of accidental paddle bumps from enthusiastic guests.

Every guest is outfitted with high-quality gear, including wetsuits, booties, gloves, fleece sweaters, splash jackets, lifejackets, and helmets. All equipment is fully sanitized and dried after each trip. Our lifejackets are NRS high-profile Type V PFDs with flotation collars—Coast Guard certified and among the best available in the industry.

Each trip carries all Transport Canada–mandated safety equipment, including a repair kit, spare gear, first aid supplies, oxygen, and an AED. Every guide is equipped with a personal rescue kit and VHF radio.

To ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability, Wild Water Adventures employs a dedicated equipment manager, and all safety gear undergoes regular inspection.

The Kicking Horse River is a glacier fed river. This means at least two things. One is the water is COLD! (we refer to it as being refreshing). Secondly, the water levels fluctuate daily and throughout the summer. High and low water levels present different challenges through the season and we carefully monitor levels as part of our morning assessment. Flow rate and water depth change through the season and we have stringent guidelines to follow depending on water volume and speed. Our biggest water is typically in June during run off, but it can also be in May. In higher water we run a minimum of three rafts and will have a safety boat as well. 

Please pay attention to the minimum age and weight restrictions. If you are uncertain that your child meets the criteria, please call and ask us. This is critical for your child’s safety. Life jackets are made for certain weights and though it seems counter intuitive, a high volume (float) life jacket can hold a child in a rapid if the flotation is too high. As safety is our primary concern, children who look younger than the minimum age or under the minimum weight will be asked for proof of age and will be weighed at the River Base. If they don’t meet the minimums, they will not be allowed to raft. 

• Gentle Introduction to Whitewater: Minimum 8 years of age and 50 pounds (23 kilograms)
• Whitewater Exciter: Minimum 12 years of age and 90 pounds (41 kilograms)
• Tradition: Minimum 12 years of age and 90 pounds (41 kilograms)
• Maximum Horsepower: Minimum 16 years of age and 100 pounds (45 kilograms)

Communicating safety is a very important part of rafting. Please listen carefully in all the safety briefings and ask questions if things are not entirely clear for you. You will receive the first briefing during our introduction at the River Base. The guide on deck will introduce the crew and describe how to dress for the river. Once on the bus, you will receive a briefing on fitting and wearing the safety equipment. After getting off the bus, the guides will check your PFD and helmet for proper fit, followed by an overall river safety briefing from the Trip Leader. It doesn’t end there however! Once you are assigned to a boat, your guide will give you another briefing on what happens in the boat. On the river you will receive further training before the fun and excitement starts. Throughout the journey, your guide will be giving instructions on how to deal with the rapids and how to best stay in the boat. 

Please review the waiver of liability prior to booking with Wild Water and send the link to other members of your party if you are the one booking. Upon arrival at our River Base, our Guest Services Crew will give you a waiver briefing and assist you with the process of signing the waiver. All adults are required by our insurance company to read and agree to sign the waiver. Children under the age of 18 will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver acknowledging that they understand the risks of whitewater rafting. See the waiver here. 

Safety is our priority on the river and we all depend on each other to be alert and tuned in to everyone’s safety and well being. We have a strict, zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. Any guest suspected of intoxication or impairment upon arrival will not be allowed to raft and their fare will NOT be refunded.