Sheri Griffith River Expeditions

Multi-day rafting in Utah is one of the best ways to experience canyon country: big water, big skies, and camps you can’t reach by road. It’s also a real wilderness setting, which means safety starts long before the first rapid.

This guide focuses on rafting safety tips Utah travelers can actually use: how to choose the right trip, what to pack (and what not to), how to handle desert weather and cold water, and the on-river habits that keep your group comfortable and confident.

Why Utah multi-day trips require a different safety mindset

A day trip usually means quick access to help and easy bailouts. A multi-day river trip often means:

• Limited or no cell service
• Longer response times if someone is injured
• Bigger temperature swings (hot afternoons, cool nights)
• Wind, lightning, and flash-flood conditions that can change plans fast in desert terrain

The goal isn’t to be nervous, it’s to be prepared.

Tip 1: Choose a trip that matches your group (not your ego)

Utah has everything from mellow family floats to serious whitewater. Before you book, get clear on:

Know the basics: difficulty, water level, and season

Ask your outfitter:

• What rapid classes should we expect at typical flows?
  
• What’s the cold-water and weather reality for our dates?
  
• How often do plans change due to wind, storms, or water levels?

Be honest about who’s coming

Multi-day success is about the least experienced (or least comfortable) person in the group. Consider:

• Swimming ability and comfort in moving water
  
• Medical conditions, mobility needs, and medications
  
• Kids’ attention spans and sleep needs

A good outfitter will help you pick the right fit, not just sell the biggest-name canyon.

Tip 2: Prioritize outfitters who can clearly explain their safety systems

When you’re comparing companies, look for specifics, not vague “safety is important to us” statements.

What to ask an outfitter before you pay a deposit

• What certifications/training do guides hold (first aid/medical, CPR, river rescue)?
  
• What’s the guide-to-guest ratio?
  
• What rescue gear is on each boat (throw bags, first aid, communication)?
  
• What’s the emergency plan if someone gets hurt?

Here at Sheri Griffith, safety is the #1 priority with no exceptions, and all of our guides have Emergency Medical Response, CPR, and river rescue training. Most of our trips are small, personalized trips often under a 5:1 guest-to-guide ratio.

(You don’t need to choose us for this to be useful, but you should use that level of detail as your benchmark.)

Tip 3: Wear a PFD the right way (and treat it like non-negotiable gear)

For rafting safety tips Utah, this is the big one: your PFD only helps if it’s on and properly fitted.

Fit checklist

• Snug enough that it doesn’t ride up when you lift it at the shoulders
  
• Buckles and straps secured and adjusted
  
• Approved for river use and in good condition

Utah rules and local requirements matter

Utah’s boating safety guidance emphasizes having a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person on board, accessible and serviceable.
Some river stretches have wear requirements for certain ages and locations (for example, BLM permit stipulations on the Desolation/Gray section note children 12 and under must wear PFDs at all times, and that all boaters must wear a PFD in specific sections).
National parks may also have additional rules depending on conditions.

Bottom line: expect to wear your PFD a lot on Utah rivers.

Tip 4: Respect cold water, even when the air is hot

This surprises people in Utah. A sunny desert day doesn’t mean a warm river.

Cold water can trigger an involuntary “gasp” and rapid breathing (cold shock), and it can reduce your ability to think and move fast.
If you fall in, the priority is staying calm enough to float, breathe, and follow guide direction.

Smart prevention

• Dress for the water temperature, not just the air temperature
  
• Ask your outfitter about wetsuit/drysuit needs for your dates
  
• Pack warm layers for evenings (even in summer)

Tip 5: Learn the three commands that prevent most problems

Guides will train you at the put-in, so pay attention and practice.

The big three to know

• “High side!” Move quickly to the side the guide calls to prevent a flip
  
• “Down!” Get low for stability in waves and tight moves
  
• “Get in!” Return to the boat promptly after a swim or while approaching features

If you’re paddle rafting, sync matters. Most mishaps start when one or two paddlers stop listening.

Tip 6: Master the “river swim” basics before you need them

Even strong swimmers can struggle in moving water. Your guide will cover this, but here’s what to remember:

If you fall out

• Keep your feet up and pointed downstream to avoid foot entrapment hazards
  
• Float on your back, look where you’re going, and listen
  
• Swim aggressively to the boat or shore only when instructed or when there’s a clear safe line
  
• Grab a throw rope only when the guide tells you to, and be sure to hold it correctly. Otherwise, you’ll turn into a human submarine. 

If you’re nervous about swimming, say so at the start. Guides would rather coach you early than troubleshoot fear mid-rapid.

Tip 7: Don’t underestimate Utah’s weather: wind, lightning, and flash floods

Desert storms can be intense and localized. Flash floods can happen quickly and even when it’s not raining where you are.

Practical safety habits

• Check weather daily (your outfitter should, too)
  
• Secure tents, chairs, and loose gear against wind
  
• Take lightning seriously: follow guide instructions immediately
• Avoid camping or lingering in low-lying washes or drainages during stormy pattern

Tip 8: Hydration and heat illness prevention is a safety issue, not a comfort issue

On multi-day trips, dehydration creeps up, especially with sun, wind, and low humidity.

Simple rules that work

• Drink early and consistently (don’t “catch up” at dinner) 
• Use electrolytes if you sweat heavily or cramp easily 
• Wear sun protection you’ll actually keep on (wide-brim hat, sunscreen, long sleeves) 

Heat exhaustion can look like “just tired.” Speak up early if someone seems off.

Tip 9: Camp safety is part of rafting safety

Multi-day trips come with knives, fire, coolers, stoves, and dark camps. Most preventable injuries happen at camp, not in rapids.

Camp habits that prevent problems

• Use headlamps after dark (especially near the water)
  
• Keep walking areas clear of dry bags and straps
  
• Know where the first aid kit is and who has it
  
• Follow food storage guidance (your outfitter will lead this) 

We provide most gear and handle camp logistics so that we can try and mitigate as many risks as possible. 

Tip 10: Pack like a pro (the safety-focused version)

Here’s a streamlined multi-day packing approach that supports safety.

Must-haves

• Quick-dry river clothes + warm layer for nights
  
• Rain layer (storms happen)
  
• Secure river footwear (not flip-flops)
  
• Prescription meds in a waterproof container
  
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses retainer, sunscreen
  
• Refillable water bottle 

Nice-to-haves that matter

• Small blister kit
  
• Electrolytes
  
• Lightweight gloves (for rope handling or cold days)
  
• Dry set of “camp-only” clothes to prevent chills 

What to leave behind

• Cotton hoodies/jeans (stay wet, steal heat)
  
• Loose hats without a strap
  
• Anything you’d be devastated to lose 

Quick pre-trip safety checklist for Utah multi-days

• ✅ Confirm your outfitter’s guide training and emergency plan
  
• ✅ Get clear on PFD expectations and local rules for your river
  
• ✅ Dress for cold water, not just warm air
  
• ✅ Prepare for desert storms/flash floods
  
• ✅ Practice listening to commands and paddling as a unit
  
• ✅ Bring meds, hydration support, and sun protection 

About Sheri Griffith River Expeditions

Sheri Griffith River Expeditions is a guide-led rafting outfitter specializing in multi-day river adventures through the canyons of the Colorado Plateau. Known for small-group experiences and thoughtful trip logistics, the team focuses on clear communication, solid river skills, and a safety-first approach that helps guests relax and fully enjoy life on the water, from rapids to camp.