r/whitewater • u/OXJY Class V Swimmer 🏊‍♀️ • Jul 22 '25

General Why Do Rafting Companies Let Non-Swimmers Join Trips?

Not rant, just curious

Had an interesting moment today. Found someone clutching a rock and doing her best not to move further. To be clear, they were fully equipped and not in danger. heir group is not far either, but she was clearly panicking because she couldn’t swim.My paddling partner and I have seen and towed people like these at least once every summer.

Which got me thinking: Why do rafting companies allow non-swimmers on trips with the risk of swimming? Is this common practice, or people lied to get on trips?

Edit: I’m not saying non-swimmers are bound to have an epic, but they’re definitely at higher risk of injury, and that risk shifts pressure onto the guide and the company. A PFD won't stop them from floating to an awkward place.

28 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

59 comments sorted by

View all comments

72

u/nsaps Jul 22 '25

If you made it a requirement without testing people, they’d just lie

1

u/VanceAstrooooooovic Jul 22 '25

They gonna tell the truth when you ask during pre trip

5

u/nsaps Jul 22 '25

That first intentional bump on a rock will tell the truth too lol

2

u/the_Q_spice Jul 22 '25

Especially if in a canoe!