11 River-Rafting Rapids and Safety Tips in Rishikesh

8. Choose a certified operator

Selecting the right operator is the single biggest safety decision before you step into a raft. Uttarakhand Tourism certifies operators, and their listing shows which companies meet training and equipment standards. Check the operator’s certificate, ask about staff training, and confirm they run regularly scheduled rescue drills. A reputable company will show you maintenance logs for boats, helmets, and life jackets and will not hesitate to explain safety procedures. Watch how staff interact with clients during check-in; confident, calm briefings often indicate experience. Beware, operators who rush the pre-run briefing or who skimp on safety demonstrations to save time. Price matters, but the cheapest is rarely safest when water levels rise or conditions shift. If you have medical concerns, ask about on-site first-aid kits and the nearest evacuation route. Finally, ask for references or recent reviews; operators who run frequent trips have current feedback from guests that helps you judge reliability (source: uktravelcompany.com).