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I can barely swim to save my life and have gone white water rafting over a dozen times, diff countries diff states…I have fallen in the rapids on several occassions and it is not an issue. In Pennsylvania where I did most of my rafting I took 2-3 trips each season and took new ppl who had never gone white water rafting and many who were even worse than I am at swimming. I speak from rather extensive personal experience. These were uni trips that I oranized so there would be anywhere from 15-30 people for the trip (15 meant smaller bus, 30 meant lmid size bus) so there were many people and we had no major injury, no death, nothing due t someone not knowing how to swim. one dude’s oar hitting someone in the face, or falling over and getting a cut on your foot due to rocks etc were what we saw and even that was like a handful of instances.
They provide specific type of lifevests which have neck and head protection in them as well (depending on what level the rapids are) ..when you have a life vest on, you are not going underwater.
But in support of my words, here is some food for thought.
Whitewater Rafting FAQ’s, Whitewater Rafting Questions and Answers
What if I can not swim?
Don’t be to concerned. It’s more of a question of how comfortable are you in the water. Wear your Personal Floatation Device (life jacket) at all times. In rivers you go with the flow and work your way toward shore. It doesn’t require much swimming skill. You might want to swim a rapid in your PFD, with a qualified person and then decide if Whitewater rafting is for you
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Rogue River Whitewater Rafting Trips Tours
What if I can not swim?
Don’t be too concerned. It’s more of a question of how comfortable are you in the water. Wear your Personal Floatation Device (life jacket) at all times. In rivers you go with the flow and work your way toward shore. It doesn’t require much swimming skill. You might want to swim a rapid in your PFD, with a qualified person and then decide if Whitewater rafting is for you
HDRO 800 461-5823 Whitewater rafting frequently asked questions about the deschutes river and raft trips in Oregon
What if I cannot swim? Can I still go rafting? Can I still go rafting?
You do not need to know how to swim to go rafting with us.
You’ll be wearing a top-of-the-line life jacket when you are on the water. Everyone on our trips wears a coast-guard approved buoyancy vest. This will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. We take many non-swimmers on trips, and they have a great time. It is more important that you are not afraid of the water. If you should happen to fall in the river, you will float like a cork (a little wet and exhilarated but safe). 90% of accidents happen on shore
Safety Concerns - Whitewater Rafting in Colorado, Colorado Rafting Safety, Colorado White Water Rafting Safety | Colorado Rafting
What if I can’t swim? Can I still go on a Colorado whitewater rafting trip?
Many of our guests can’t swim. We supply type V life jackets that are designed to keep you afloat with no effort from you. The jacket is designed to keep you floating on your back with a floating flap behind your head. This will help keep your head out of the water in rough whitewater conditions. The best trips for you will be the Class I, II and III trips we offer
Frequently Asked Rafting Questions and Answers | Rafting America
If I can’t swim, can I still go rafting?
Everyone on commercial rafting trips wears a coast guard approved life vest or personal flotation device (PFD). This critical piece of equipment will keep you afloat in the event that you find yourself in the river. Many non-swimmers go on Rafting America rafting trips, and they have a great time. Your guide will give you an in depth safety talk before your trip explaining what you should prepare for and do in the event you fall out of the raft. Your guide is professionally trained in whitewater rescue and will work with the rest of your guide team to ensure that you are able to feel comfortable with the whitewater conditions on your trip. All non-swimmers should talk to their outfitter when considering a Class IV+ or Class V trip.