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Be Safe Outdoors

To stay safe in warmer weather always prioritize hydration and avoid peak heat. Drink 24 to 32 ounces of water per hour, dress in loose, light-colored clothing and protect yourself with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Schedule strenuous outdoor tasks in high heat in the morning or evening hours when it’s cooler.

 

Here are a few tips to keep you safe outdoors:

  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Have a plan before you begin your adventure.
  • Bring extra gear: Always pack extra clothes, especially a dry set of clothes in a dry bag, along with a first-aid kit and a protected cell phone or weather radio. 
  • Pre-hydrate: Start drinking extra water and electrolytes the day before your trip.
  • Salty Snacks: Pack pretzels, trail mix, and salty nuts to keep your body balanced.
  • Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum, sweat-proof SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. Reflective heat on the water can significantly increases your sunburn risk.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Long-sleeve hooded sun shirts provide great coverage without trapping heat.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around polarized sunglasses (especially on the water to prevent glare).
  • Soak a bandana or cooling towel in cool water and drape it around the back of your neck to stay cool.
  • Start Early: Be on the trail by sunrise or after sunset to beat the worst of the afternoon heat.
  • Choose shaded trails and pick routes with dense forest canopies rather than exposed, rocky ridgelines.
  • The Turnaround Rule: When your water is half empty, your hike is half done—turn around immediately.
  • ALWAYS wear a Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) even on a hot day.
  • Dress for the water temperature: Always dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature, as you are at high risk for hypothermia if you fall in and cold river temperatures can cause shock even in the summer.
  • Plan for the Wind: If you are river or lake paddling, try to plan your route so you have a tailwind on the way out and a headwind when you are tired on the way back.
  • Bug spray isn't for anyone, but it can help you avoid chiggers and ticks during your adventure.
  • Always check the weather before heading out. For developing weather alerts, you can always check the local updates on the National Weather Service.

 

Trail Safety

Using trails is a great chance to experience nature, history, and get exercise. Here are some safety tips to ensure that your trip is an enjoyable experience.

 

 
DRBA'S RIVER AND TRAIL SAFETY WEBINAR, CLICK HERE

 

 

For All Trail Users

  • Trails are available from sunrise to sunset every day unless otherwise marked at the trailhead.
  • Before you leave for the trail, make sure you know where you are going. It is also a good idea to tell a responsible person about your plans of where you will be and when you expect to return.
  • Check the weather forecast before you leave for your destination so that you can pack the proper equipment.
  • Before you leave your vehicle, make sure all valuables are out of sight and make sure you lock your doors.
  • If possible, park in a well-lit, heavily traveled area.
  • Carry identification that includes your name, phone number, pertinent medical information, and emergency contact information.
  • Know the regulations and obey all trail rules posted at trailheads.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Be cautious of poisonous plants, insects, arachnids, and animals.
  • Make sure you bring drinking water and stay hydrated.
  • Please leave plants and animals undisturbed.
  • Any trash that you create, please make sure it finds its way to a trash can.
  • Trust your instincts; don't walk where you are uncomfortable.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and others around you.
  • Pets should be on a leash.

For Trail Walkers/Hikers

  • If you are in a group, do not block the trail to other users.
  • If a person approaches you that is traveling faster than yourself, step aside and let them pass.

For Bicyclists

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Give a verbal warning and use caution when passing others on the trail.
  • Follow the traffic laws for biking on paved trails and when on the road. Stay to the right unless you are passing others.
  • Travel at a safe speed at all times. Approach turns with caution as if someone was around the corner. Use verbal warning to let people know you are coming around a turn.
  • When approaching horses from behind, let the rider know you are there. Ask the rider if it is safe to pass. Some horses spook easy, and you do not want to danger the rider or yourself. When approaching an oncoming horse, stop and pull off the downhill side of the trail and let the horse pass.

For Equestrians

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Travel at a safe speed at all times. Approach turns with caution as if someone was around the corner. Use verbal warning to let people know you are coming around a turn.
  • Let other trail users know when it is safe to pass you and your horse.

 

River Safety

Paddling is a great way to experience nature and get exercise. There are several important things that you must know before you get out on the water. Safety is everyone's responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Accidents can happen on any type of water. It is important to review safety guidelines before paddling and to learn the appropriate techniques need to safely navigate the water.

Know Your Flows

A good way to know river conditions is by checking the USGS flow gauges that are located on major rivers and understanding how the cubic feet per second (CFS) or the water in feet relates to safe or dangerous paddling levels.  Here is a link to the USGS mobile data site:  https://m.waterdata.usgs.gov/

The National Weather Service also has gagues on local waterways: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=rnk 

MAYO: 

SMITH:

DAN:

Here is a link to a YouTube video explaining how to use the USGS site:                                           https://youtu.be/eTOQRbamrSo

Additionally, there is a phone app called "River Data"  that allows you to see real-time data from the USGS sites in an easy-to-understand format and allows you to save favorites.

Dams 

There are several large and small dams on the rivers in the Dan River Basin. Although you can portage around most they are hazardous and should be avoided.  This video will give you an introduction to  Lowhead dams

Here are some safety guidelines to remember while you are on the water.

  • If it is your first time on the water, take an on-water course or travel with an experienced person that has navigated that part of the river before.
  • Wear your life jacket! It's always possible to capsize in any water condition. Learn how wearing your life jacket can save your life.
  • Before you leave, make sure you know where you are going. It is also a good idea to tell a responsible person about your plans of where you will be and when you expect to return.
  • Check the weather forecast before you leave for your destination so that you can pack the proper equipment.
  • Before you leave your vehicle, make sure all valuables are out of sight and make sure you lock your doors.
  • If possible, park in a well-lit, heavily traveled area.
  • Carry identification that includes your name, phone number, pertinent medical information, and emergency contact information in a waterproof bag. You can also store your cell phone and camera in the bag as well.
  • Know the water conditions. Sometimes the river will be high, low, or a dam may be releasing. This makes the water conditions very different and it is important to know what to expect.
  • Know the rules to navigate the water. Find out what you need to know while on waterways.
  • Beware of Strainers. Strainers are fallen trees; bridge pilings, undercut rocks, or anything else that allows the current to flow through it while holding you. Strainers are deadly!
  • Never go boating or tubing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • If in doubt, get out and scout
  • Know your paddling abilities and plan your outings accordingly
  • Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Carry extra clothes in a dry bag in case you flip and go for a swim. Hypothermia can be deadly
  • Never float or paddle over low-head dams, avoid fallen trees and other in-stream obstructions.
  • Do not stand up in a canoe or kayak, and avoid weight shifts that may cause capsize.
  • Carry a supply of food and water adequate for your trip length.
  • Avoid weather or water conditions beyond your skill level.
  • Learn rescue skills necessary to assist others.
  • Plan for emergencies: carry basic first aid.
  • Inform others of your trip plan.
  • Leave No Trace and Wildlife Ethics
  • Leave the river and shoreline cleaner than you find them.
  • Leave rocks and plants as you find them.
  • Carry out your trash.
  • Respect wildlife; stay clear of nests, dens, and rookeries. Human food is unhealthy for wildlife. Please do not share your food with animals.
  • View a list of helpful safety tips for the next time you go on the water.
  • Make sure you bring drinking water and stay hydrated!
  • Know Your Limits! Make sure you know what you can endure before you leave the shore.
  • View the River Paddler's Guide to Rescue.
  • Learn more useful tips when scheduling your next trip.

In normal, moderate conditions, any moving water can capsize a canoe or kayak that accidentally leans upstream, something that happens easily and often without warning. The faster and more turbulent the water, the more quickly this can happen. In addition, most recreational streams contain obstacles and in flood conditions, many more are washed in. These are generally difficult to deal with when the water is running high and fast.

Disclaimer: This information is used entirely at the reader's discretion, and is made available on the expressed condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by the author or publisher or any of its associates, employees, branches, or subsidiaries for the accuracy, content or use thereof. River channels are dynamic features and thus change frequently. The boater must be aware that hazards exist and be wary of them. Paddling poses significant potential hazards including risk of injury or death, and each person participating in this activity needs to understand the risks involved, obtain the necessary training and take all the needed precautions. This guide provides general information on the topic of paddling. By providing this information, we do not assume any liability for the use of this information. 

River Etiquette

  • Obey all rules and regulations. Respect private property.
  • Be considerate of others. Give fisherman a wide berth.
  • Avoid taking disposable containers; take it in, take it out.
  • Please do not litter. Do your part to keep the river clean
  • So the next person can have the same experience.

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