Safety
Rivers are ever-changing systems with inherent dangers. Here are some tips to help you safely enjoy your time on the water:
- Never paddle alone.
- Always file a float plan – tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Check weather forecasts.
- Carry a map of the stream so you can find your location at any time.
- Carry a hand-held Global Positioning System unit; it will help you pinpoint your position and how to get back to a launch site.
- Wear protective footgear and carry drinking water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Plan your trip so that your paddling skills are equal to the water conditions.
Ethics
Water conservation is one way to ensure the natural heritage of Arkansas is protected. To conserve rivers and streams, keep them clean, maintain native vegetation and participate in river clean-ups.
Join an Arkansas Stream Team
The Arkansas Stream Team program is an opportunity for all concerned citizens to get involved in river, stream and watershed conservation efforts. Through education, stewardship and advocacy, the program encourages safe use of Arkansas’s streams, rivers, springs and bayous. Stream Teams control litter and monitor and improve fish habitat and water quality. Click here for information about the Arkansas Stream Team.
Respect Private Property
Please respect private property along navigable streams and avoid stopping on private property unless it is an emergency. Private property may be marked by fences, signs or purple paint. Keep noise levels low and plan your stops on public land.
Share the water
When approaching anglers or other paddlers, give them a wide berth and proceed quietly, so you don’t interfere with their recreation.