Whitewater Rafting Guide Insurance
Top-rated General Liability Insurance for Whitewater Rafting Guides
Get inexpensive General Liability Insurance to protect against unexpected accidents.
Average quote turnaround time is 12 to 24 business hours.
Sorry, but we currently don’t have a competitive insurance carrier for whitewater rafting.
General Liability
- Limits from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
- Occurrence Policy Form
- Coverage for Athletic Participants
- Non-owned and Hired Auto option
- Sex Abuse & Molestation option
Accident
- Medical limits up to $25,000
- Deductible options
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment up to $10,000
Outdoor rafting (also called whitewater rafting) is a fun activity for everyone, from those who love the adrenaline rush of tackling the extreme rapids to families and those less experienced who enjoy floating on the easywater. Most rafting outfitters 
and guides offer a variety of rafting opportunities for family, church, business, school, and other group activities.
The season for rafting varies according to area and temperatures, but most outfitters operate from April through October. Hours of operation are long—from early morning to late afternoon/early evening—to allow for patrons to pick up equipment early and to return equipment late. Some outfitters rent canoes and rafts for floating and provide guided water trips. Main business areas include an office for rental purchases and instruction, and storage areas for water safety equipment and flotation devices. Some businesses offer transportation to and from starting points on the water.
General Liability Risk Management Requirements for Rafting Outfitters and Guides
Risk management practices for General Liability carriers specializing in rafting outfitter and guide businesses include proper maintenance and regular inspection of all equipment; proper instruction and certification of all guides; making sure that certified guides are familiar with the rapids being offered by the business; posting of signs (and/or offering videos) to warn rafters of the hazards involved; CPR training and first aid equipment (including first-aid supplies on each raft and sunscreen); posting and enforcing minimum age/height/weight requirements; whistles/ bullhorns for guides; Keep Out signs for equipment storage areas; evacuation procedures in cases of inclement weather; and a comprehensive safety program for both patrons and guides.
Accidents happen on whitewater. Drowning is not the only possible casualty. Patrons (and even guides) can fall out of rafts and becoming injured, over-zealous rafters can undertake rapids that are too rough and become injured (or drown from rushing water), transportation vehicles can have an accident, patrons and guides can injure themselves loading and unloading equipment, safety equipment (i.e., helmets, life jackets) can slip off, patrons can fall into the water and develop hypothermia, and patrons and guides can suffer from dehydration and sunburn.
Having a signed waiver/release form for all patrons of the rafting outfitter business should be mandatory. Parents or legal guardians should sign a waiver/release form in addition to having the minor’s signature. While these waivers are not a sure prevention from a lawsuit, they can help to reduce the amount of damages owed by the outfitter in the unfortunate event of a lawsuit. The best protection is to have both Accident and General Liability insurance with sufficient limits for proper coverage should a lawsuit occur.