Although it might seem like a relaxing activity (and it certainly can be), there’s plenty to know about safety when it comes to tubing down a river.

One of the most important things to do prior to setting out on a tubing adventure is to check if water levels are safe for tubing. River water flow is measured by cubic feet per second (CFS), with flow between 100 and 500 CFS generally considered to be safe for tubing.

Those looking for a more relaxing tubing experience should aim for 100 to 200 CFS on their float day. If you’re looking for a more exciting and adventurous tubing experience, then wait until the river is at 400 to 500 CFS.

You can find plenty of water data and river flows from the United States Geological Survey and River Reports. As well as the CFS, you can find wind speeds and temperatures (which will also impact your tubing adventure) on River Reports.

When looking at water flow, it’s also important to know when there’s not enough water for tubing. Too little water can mean a lot of walking on a rocky river bottom or dragging against rocks below the tube. Regardless of the flow, always wear a life jacket.

It’s also important to check local sources for potential tubing bans which can be put in place due to dangerous water conditions or other factors, including over-stressed fish populations.

Here’s a list of some more safety tips for river tubing safety.

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