Outfitter Accreditation Program

To schedule your accreditation, contact Rescue 3 International at
1-916-687-6556, or by email.

Why Accreditation?

What will the program cover?
Rescue Steps (2.9mb video—compliments of Rescue3 International)

The Chapin Clark Whitewater Safety Accreditation, which has been developed with Rescue 3 International, will constitute a risk management assessment of an individual rafting business.

Outfitters wishing accreditation will answer these and other questions in a workbook developed by Rescue 3 International. Rescue 3 International will then make recommendations to the outfitter. It also will make a site visit to verify that any needed changes have been made. Accreditation is expected to be good for three years.

Although the Chapin Clark Whitewater Safety Accredited seal initially will be offered by Rescue 3 International only, other training companies may also offer the seal, provided they meet the Foundation's criteria and follow the same safety standards as the original program.

Accreditation will address such questions as the following:

1. Are passengers briefed before each trip as to what to do if an accident should occur?
   
   
2. Are boats properly equipped?
   
   
3. Is the equipment well maintained? (for example, life jackets lose there buoyancy and should be replaced every 3-4 years)
   
   
4. Are guides adequately trained?
   
   
5. Do guides know how to assess river conditions?
   
   
6. Does the company have an evacuation plan and exit routes mapped for the course?
   
   
7. Does the company maintain a communication system for guides during a trip?
   
   
8. Is transportation to and from the launch site safe and well-maintained?

Why Accreditation?

The Issue
Voluntary Accreditation
Benefits to Outfitters and Consumers

The Issue

In most states, whitewater rafting guide training is governed by a variety of regulations that may be set by a state water authority, federal park jurisdiction, department of public safety or other agency or board. Training standards may vary widely, and no state requires guide training by a certified instructor. Most states do not regulate outfitters, except for requiring insurance. While most outfitters are very safety-conscious and can point to years of fatality free rafting trips, the growth of the industry dictates that more inexperienced outfitters may enter the market, putting more rafters at risk.

Voluntary Accreditation

In encouraging the standards for the accreditation, the Chapin Clark Foundation is working with Rescue 3 International, recognized as world leader in swiftwater and water rescue safety standards and training. They believe a voluntary accreditation program will bring much needed consistency to the industry as well as prevent states from turning more and more to legislation—and its bureaucracy—as a way of addressing safety issues.

Benefits to Outfitters and the Consumer

Outfitters may benefit from lower insurance costs, too. The Clark Foundation has pledged to work with insurance companies to lower premiums for accredited outfitters. As it is now, insurance companies have no way of adjusting for outfitters with good safety records, according to Mike Turnbull, Rescue 3 International president.

For the consumer, the accreditation seal will be an emblem they can look for when choosing a rafting company that has the appropriate safety measures in place to help ensure a safe river experience.

"We think outfitters who already adhere to the highest safety standards should be rewarded," he said.

Although the Chapin Clark Whitewater Safety Accredited Seal initially will be offered by Rescue 3 International only, other training companies may also offer the seal, provided they meet the Foundation's criteria and follow the same safety standards as the original program.