Stay Safe and Respect the Rapp

PLANNING A VISIT TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER?

TOP THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Read the Gauge

Know Before You Go!

On the surface, the river may look manageable, yet what lies beneath may tell another story. Every year visitors to the river become victim to deceptively strong currents, higher than normal water levels, cold water temperatures, or underwater entrapments. Whether you are fishing, floating, paddling or just cooling off after a long hike, it’s important to KNOW the numbers – river height, river flow, and weather conditions.

Helpful Links:

USGS Report Near Fredericksburg, Virginia
What is a Safe Level to Access the River
Fredericksburg, Virginia Tide Chart
Rappahannock River Cam

Plan Your Trip!

You never want to jump right into a river trip – preplanning is key to ensuring a safe day on the river!

Preplanning

Know the River Access and Exit Points.
Know the skill level of your group and stay well within your boundaries.
Have the right equipment, safety gear, and plenty of water.
Tell a trusted friend or family member where you are going and when you expect to be home.

On the River

Never paddle or swim alone!
Always wear a life vest.
Wear shoes to protect your feet from rocks and debris.
Drink plenty of water.

Helpful Links

Will save your life

Wear It

Did you know that you are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket on board your kayak or stand-up paddle board? Since you have it with you anyway – just WEAR IT! The Rappahannock River is known to rapidly change in height and flow, so don’t just have a life jacket but always wear it while enjoying the river. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. The good news is that today’s life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight, and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know.

Helpful Links:

Life Jacket Resources

Seconds can matter

Who You Gonna Call?

If you or someone needs emergency assistance, then follow these steps:

Do not enter the water to lend assistance – REACH OR THROW; DON’T GO.
Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Identify the location of the emergency with as much information as possible.

If you want to learn more about ways you can best prepare for a visit to the
Rappahannock River, then give these folks a call:

Virginia Outdoor Center
540-287-0226
Twin Junction Outfitter
540-419-7636
River Rock Outfitter
540-372-8708

Helpful Links:

Fredericksburg River Safety Information

Leave NO Trace

Keep it Clean

One of the most beautiful sites is a clean, healthy, free-flowing river. Luckily for us the Rappahannock River is just that! It takes the entire communities help to keep the river looking beautiful and staying clean for everyone to enjoy. Please make sure that you do your part by picking up your trash and removing any trash you see on the river. Bring a bag with you to stow or collect trash whenever you are on or near the river!

Other ways to get involved:

Become a Member of Friends of the Rappahannock
Participate in a River or Trail Cleanup

River Resources

A Little Bit of History

The Rappahannock River is the longest free-flowing river in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the eastern U.S. The Fall-line is in Fredericksburg, Virginia near Old Mill Park. This spot can be dangerous as water levels fluctuate with tides and flow.

Learn More

The People Who Protect It

Get to know your local River Steward! The Friends of the Rappahannock River Stewards advocate, restore and educate across all 2,100 square miles of the beautiful Rappahannock River watershed.

Meet the River Stewards

Stay Connected on Social

Wearing a life vest!

Knowing the height and flow!

Always having paddle plan!

Respect the Rapp Facebook

¿Perdón, usted habla español?

El Río Rappahannock es Nuestro Rappahannock. Visita nuestra página web para más información sobre seguridad en la agua, el consumo de pescado, y más material de educación en español

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Talk to the Local Experts

Talk to some experts on best place to access the river, purchase some last-minute gear, or buy a kayak or stand-up paddle board to enjoy all summer long!

River Rock Outfitter

Safe Fish Consumption

Many river users keep, cook, and eat their catches. Sometimes the fish in certain waters are found to contain potentially harmful levels of chemicals.

Active fish consumption advisories

Need to Rent Some Gear

Sometimes its just easier to rent a kayak and have someone else worry about the transportation. If you want to rent a canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board, or a river tube then give these folks a call.

Twin Junction Outfitters

Virginia Outdoor Center

Take Your Skills to the Next Level

Want to sign up for a river safety or paddling course. Check out available classes from instructors across the country.

ACA Instructors and Courses