How to Prepare for Water Activities

1. Know The River

The Snake River is the main waterway out here. It’s got mellow sections, sure—but also Class II and III rapids that’ll toss you if you’re not paying attention. Research the section you’re floating. Whitewater or scenic? Big difference.

🎯 Local Pro Tip: Check in with the Snake River Fund or a local outfitter for current water conditions. Spring runoff can make things real spicy.

2. Cold Water Kills

Even if the air is 80°F, the water might be 45°F. Hypothermia is real, fast, and deadly. Wear a wetsuit or drysuit if you’re rafting early season.

3. Life Jacket or Leave

No debate here. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (life jacket) at all times. Not tied to the boat, not sitting next to you—on your body.

4. Scout Before You Shove Off

Especially if you’re running whitewater or hitting an unfamiliar section. Know your put-in and take-out. Watch for strainers (fallen trees), sweepers, and log jams.

5. Don’t Go Solo

Bring a buddy or go with a guide. The river’s a wild place and it doesn’t play favorites. Let someone know your plan, too. Cell service? Spotty at best in the canyons.

6. Respect the Wildlife

You might see moose, eagles, or even a bear near the banks. Don’t approach, don’t feed, and don’t panic. Give them space and enjoy the view.

7. Alcohol & Rivers Don’t Mix

You know the drill. Save the beers for the bonfire after you’ve made it off the river. Impaired judgment + moving water = bad combo.

8. Go with a Guide (if in doubt)

There are some stellar river guides in the valley who can take you on a safe, thrilling trip. Especially smart if you’re new to whitewater or unfamiliar with the area.

9. Bring the Right Gear

• Dry bags for phones, maps, and snacks
• First aid kit
• Rescue rope
• Knife (river knife, sheathed)
• Sunscreen & hat (that sun’s intense at elevation)

Words by Teton County Search and Rescue

Incident data shows us trends we have to pay attention to: People see the river as a place to have fun before they see it as an environment that’s actively trying to kill them.

At Backcountry Zero, the education arm of the Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation, we want to create a culture of accountability on the river. We want to see a community of river ambassadors who know what to look out for and how to take action when something is trending from fun to reckless to dangerous.

The summer season makes TCSAR volunteers nervous for a reason. Our swiftwater safety messaging will inevitably miss some people, but this year we’re approaching our prevention efforts with a tone of ‘friends don’t let their friends be irresponsible on the river.’

Last year, our community has already seen three swiftwater incidents on the Snake River alone. All three were in large part a consequence of the powerful heat we saw in June 2024 that rapidly melted much of our snow in the high alpine. And, they involved experienced, local boaters.

Among other things, rapid melting can mean more aggressive hydraulics, more complex channel braiding, lower water temperatures, and once familiar rapids changing form overnight. Combine this with the classic summer cocktail of visitors, newly purchased innertubes, alcohol, cliff jumping, and forgotten PFDs, and you have a recipe for high frequency, high consequence incidents. Cue our first responders keeping their pagers close.

Orion Hatch of the Snake River Fund reminds us that ‘There’s nothing more tragic than a fatal accident that feels preventable.’

This swiftwater season, be prepared, practiced and present on the river. And help us help you be an ambassador for responsible recreation. Check yourself, check your friends, and make it home at the end of the day.

In the Tetons, your best summer day can turn into your worst in the blink of an eye.

For more resources on backcountry safety and workshops, visit the Backcountry Zero website.