RENO RIVER FESTIVAL PUTS SAFETY FIRST
RENO, Nev. (May 2005) — For this year's 2nd annual Reno River Festival, May 12-15, safety is a No. 1 priority. With the start of the Reno River Festival this weekend, it's as important as ever for kayakers, rafters, tubers and swimmers to put safety first and take necessary precautions, especially with the increased runoff from an incredible snow season.
"We want everyone to have a great time at this year's festival, and safety is the key," said Deanna Ashby, executive director of marketing for the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA). "Whitewater activities can be very fun, but the Truckee River Whitewater Park is a natural river and we want to be proactive in encouraging the Reno-Sparks community and its visitors to take the appropriate safety measures in ensuring that everyone is out of harm's way.
In an effort to educate the public on how to play safely on the Truckee River, the following are some precautionary measures everyone should follow:
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket and helmet. This will prevent possible head injuries and drowning if caught in the open river.
- Use course-appropriate water equipment and know how to control it. Kayaks intended for use on water similar to the Truckee River Whitewater course are shorter and "rockered" to allow quick maneuvering and reaction to whitewater's unpredictability. All rafters and boaters need to know how to stop a raft at any time and to land it on shore. Additionally, tubers should make sure valve stems are covered and any other flotation devices are safely equipped.
- Choose a skill-appropriate playground. Whitewater is rated from I to VI, with I being the easiest. The Truckee River is rated class II-III. Playing in water that requires more skill than one may possess can be dangerous and should not be attempted.
- Never play in the water alone. Although the Truckee River Whitewater Park is in an urban area, everyone should join in the fun to ensure the safety of all parties. Playing in water alone can leave you stranded and in need of help. Instead, join a group of friends or a paddling club and assign experienced people who will watch out for the whole group.
- Tie everything down, except yourself. Never tie yourself into a kayak, inner tube or raft. This could lead to severe injuries and drowning. Wallets should be placed in a waterproof bag and all other belongings should be secured to the floatation device to avoid loss.
- Wear proper clothing. Wear appropriate clothing, made of mostly synthetic materials like nylon, rayon, spandex or polyester blends. These materials will dry faster than cotton and keep water enthusiasts warmer while helping to avoid hypothermia.
- Take a paddling clinic or class. Before venturing out on to unpredictable waters, make sure you are properly educated on the techniques, equipment and safety procedures used in kayaking, rafting and other water sports. Knowing and understanding how the water works is essential for safety. Free clinics on a variety of kayaking skills are available at the Reno River Festival, May 12-15.
- Be aware of changing water and weather conditions. Increase awareness of the water and weather and avoid dangerous and undesirable conditions. Always avoid dams with hydraulic reversals, bridge piers, barbed wire and downed trees or other obstacles.
- Know what to do when capsized or in undesirable circumstances. Always remain calm. Stay upstream of the raft to avoid getting caught between it and another obstacle. Swim to shore and do not try to stand up in strong currents.
Following these safety guidelines will have Reno River Festival visitors safe and sound while enjoying the variety of activities scheduled to take place on the banks of the Truckee River.
For more details about the annual Reno River Festival, please visit www.RenoRiverFestival.com. For more information about Reno-Tahoe, Americaâ's Adventure Place, logon to www.VisitRenoTahoe.com or call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366).