Code of practice for Rafters

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 40, 24 March 1987, Page 8

Code of practice for Rafters

The most dangerous thing about white water rafting in New Zealand, is the drive to the river. That's the collective view of the New Zealand Professional Rafters' Association. The members of the association take nearly 70,000. New Zealanders and overseas visitors onto this country's rivers each year. As an industry they are now looking at promoting the success of their sport, while at the same time looking for opportunities to enhance the rafting experience for participants. "We have already established a Code of Practice for the industry," says Mr Brian Sage, president of the Rafters' Association, "which we operate in association with the Ministry of Transport." "Every rafting trip on any of New Zealand's five raftable grades of water should be led by a registered trip leader and a certified boatman who have officially acknowledged experience of their sport and the location in which they operate," said Mr Sage. "While this certification is not compulsory, an intending raft passenger should use it as a guide to the competence of their selected river operator. "But as an industry we are also encouraging the public to look out for the other warning signs which can indicate the experience of the operator. These signs include the condition of the

rafts, checking that they are properly roped and their age." "Rafts shouldn't be overloaded. A 1 4ft. 6in. raft should only take a maximum of eight people, including the operators. Equipment should also be in good condition — there should be helmets on board, for example on the highergrade river trips." The most important aspect is each passenger's degree of fitness. "lt is a demanding sport and anyone contemplating it needs to be reasonably fit. Certainly they should be confident in the water," said Mr Sage. Members of the rafting industry are also looking to form a River Guides' Association to standardise training for raft operators. "Rafting is the fastest growing industry in the outdoor adventure sector and one of the problems we have had to face is that people are misinformed about the sport," said Mr Sage. "Like

any emergent industry, we've had our teething problems, but we are now actively working towards establishing uniformly high

standards around the country so that intending raft passengers can hook a rafting trip with total confidence in the operators."