Summer safety: Tips for staying safe on the Chattahoochee River

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Before you plan a trip to the Chattahoochee River to cool off this summer, there are some important safety measures to keep in mind.

River guides with Whitewater Express are on the Chattahoochee almost every day.

They say the calmest part of the river is an eddy behind Waveshaper Island.

But the tumultuous rapids just downstream can be dangerous if you’re not properly equipped. That’s regardless of whether you’re on the water or nearby rocks.

“I think it’s important for people to know that if they are going to be recreating around the river, on the rocks, getting close to the edge is not a good idea,” said Whitewater Express’ general manager Daniell Gilbert. “The rocks are very slick out there and you don’t want to be in a situation where you accidentally slip into a white water rapid.”

Gilbert says if you’re on Waveshaper Island near the rocks, you should consider wearing a personal floatation device.

If you find yourself in white water, guides say never to stand up in a moving current. You can either swim to shore on your stomach or face the sky and point your legs downstream.

Whitewater Express says the safest option is to take some river safety lessons before getting on the water. Gilbert says it can take weeks to months, or sometimes years, to get comfortable in white water.

Guides give guests an in-depth safety briefing at the beginning of all Whitewater Express tours.