Essential Eligibility Criteria for Selway River
Adventures Trips

Selway River Adventures (SRA) trips take place in a remote wilderness setting and involve whitewater rafting, uneven terrain, variable weather, and limited access to medical care. The following essential eligibility criteria are required for all participants on any SRA river trip to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Participants Must Be Able To:

  • Remain seated and balanced in a whitewater raft while holding on with at least one hand.

  • Properly wear required safety equipment, including a Type V U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD) (maximum chest size 56"). Leg straps and helmets may be required to ensure proper fit and safety.

  • Independently board and exit the raft multiple times per day (typically 4–10 times), which may involve stepping into the boat and maneuvering over tubes and fixed surfaces into a seated position.

  • Navigate riverbanks and camp areas independently, including moving safely over rocks, boulders, slippery or uneven surfaces, under low branches, through vegetation, and near steep drop-offs or ledges.

  • Swim in moving water while wearing a PFD, including actively participating in your own rescue. This includes the ability to:

    • Control breathing after unexpected submersion

    • Orient yourself in swift or turbulent water

    • Change body position while swimming

    • Swim aggressively toward a boat or shore

    • Accept rescue assistance (rope, paddle, or human help)

    • Exit from under an overturned raft if necessary

  • Swim at least 100 yards in calm water while wearing a PFD.

  • Assist another guest by helping them back into the raft if they fall out.

  • Follow verbal and non-verbal instructions from guides at all times, including during stressful or emergency situations, and communicate effectively with guides and fellow guests.

  • Carry personal gear, including dry bags weighing up to approximately 20–30 pounds, between the raft and camp, independently or with assistance from a companion.

  • Manage personal care needs, independently or with assistance from a friend or family member.

  • Manage prescription medications, including proper dosing, independently or with assistance from a companion.

  • Maintain adequate nutrition, hydration, and appropriate clothing to reduce the risk of environmental injuries such as hypothermia, heat illness, sunburn, or frostbite.

Eligibility Determination

Guests who are unable to meet these essential eligibility criteria may not be able to participate in an SRA trip. These criteria exist solely to protect the safety of all participants and staff.

They are not intended to discriminate based on physical or mental disability and are applied consistently to all guests. SRA is committed to providing reasonable modifications when feasible, provided those modifications do not fundamentally alter the nature of the trip or compromise safety.

Additional Information & Participant Expectations

The following information is intended to help guests understand the realities of participating in a multi-day wilderness river trip and to set clear expectations beyond the essential eligibility criteria.

Wilderness Environment & Risk Awareness

SRA trips involve physical activity and prolonged exposure to natural elements, including cold water, heat, sun, wind, rain, and occasional snow. Conditions can change rapidly, and guests must remain alert and adaptable.

While we have experience working with individuals with a wide range of abilities and health considerations, lack of conditioning or unmanaged physical limitations can place the individual, other guests, and guides at risk. Guests with medical conditions or health concerns that may affect participation should consult their healthcare provider prior to the trip.

Personal Responsibility & Safety

Each guest plays an active role in their own safety. This includes:

  • Paying attention to surroundings at all times

  • Avoiding unnecessary risks

  • Following guide instructions and leadership

  • Staying with the group (swimming or hiking alone is discouraged)

Even minor injuries in a wilderness setting can escalate into serious emergencies due to limited access to medical care.

For the safety of all participants:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption and illicit drug use are not permitted

  • Wearing appropriate footwear in camp is strongly encouraged

  • Approaching wildlife is prohibited

  • Awareness of environmental hazards (such as cliffs, falling branches, poison ivy, or rattlesnakes) is essential

Whitewater & Swimming Considerations

Whitewater rafting carries inherent risk, particularly on Class IV and higher rapids, where the likelihood of becoming a non-voluntary swimmer increases. Swimming in whitewater is significantly more demanding than swimming in flat water and can be physically exhausting.

Cold water immersion may cause an involuntary gasping response and rapid fatigue. Remaining calm, controlling breathing, and actively participating in rescue efforts are critical. While guides are highly trained, successful rescues depend on guests being prepared, responsive, and able to follow directions under stress.

A comprehensive safety orientation will be provided at the start of your trip.

Physical Preparation Recommendations

Due to the physical nature of this experience, we strongly recommend that guests engage in regular physical activity for at least three months prior to their trip.

Suggested preparation includes:

  • Basic strength training (e.g., squats, push-ups, sit-ups)

  • Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, biking, or swimming

  • Gradually increasing endurance and intensity over time

Swimming is particularly beneficial, as it builds full-body strength and directly supports skills needed in the event of a whitewater swim.

Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have existing medical conditions. Proper preparation significantly enhances both safety and enjoyment on the river.