REO Safety Standards
"The safety is top notch and you are drilled in what to do. I felt we were in very capable hands."
Strong Leadership & Guide Management
Judgment and leadership by risk management decision-makers, is the key to ensuring guest safety. All the training, certifications and experience of the guide crew is meaningless if proper decisions are not made. At REO, Bryan and his river team have developed specific rafting protocols for every rapid and every water level on the Nahatlatch. At certain water levels, sections of the river may be closed to maintain strict safety guidelines. By implementing such comprehensive guidelines, REO has been able to provide quality rafting experiences to over 100,000 guests from around the world.
Experienced Support Team
Our wilderness resort and the range of Class 3-5 whitewater at our doorstep, is a major drawing card for the best raft guides in the world. The Nahatlatch and Stein, our premier rivers, are two of the most continuous and exciting rafting runs in Canada. Our guides are challenged day in and day out, and this challenge attracts true whitewater professionals.Safety Kayakers & Safety Rafts
REO provides safety kayakers or safety rafts on the Nahatlatch and many other rivers to enhance customer safety and service. Each safety kayaker or safety rafter that accompanies a trip will increase the overall safety margin. Our safety kayakers and safety rafters are capable of making fast, effective rescues and assisting swimmers back to their rafts.Best Guide-to-Guest Ratio
REO provides one certified guide for every 4-8 guests, the best service and safety ratio in the industry. Compare our small rafts to other "power rafting" companies that take over 20 people in one motorized raft with one guide. And don't forget - size matters! Our smaller rafts are more responsive and more fun. Why drive a station wagon when you can drive a Ferrari? We guarantee you will have more fun in our rafts and be able to brag about your paddling skills after the trip.
Comprehensive Safety Talks and Operating Standards
REO takes great pride in presenting an interesting and complete safety briefing prior to each trip. Our most experienced senior guides and safety kayakers present these safety talks. Following our talk, each guest is asked to perform certain safety drills including using proper paddle commands, pulling a swimmer into a raft and swimming an easy section of whitewater.At difficult rapids, guests are given the option to get out of the raft and portage the rapid on shore, or to stay in the raft and assume the added risk of the paddling the advanced rapids. By providing choices, we will not exceed our guests comfort zone, and chances are they will come back time and time again. Veteran paddlers who want the most extreme runs can request to be assigned to our most hardcore senior guides.
The Right Equipment
All the best whitewater gear for rafting is provided by REO, including wetsuits, lifejackets, paddling jackets, and helmets. We offer full-body O'Neill wetsuits to maximize your comfort & safety.All participants must sign a waiver and release of liability form prior to trip departure. REO has a perfect safety record with 37 years of operation on many of the most challenging rivers that are rafted in Canada. However, past performance does not imply that any given trip will be safe and that no losses or damages will occur. Participants must be prepared, use good judgment, and follow the safety procedures and instructions provided. Those that do not adhere to our safety standards and guidelines, will not be allowed to participate in any REO activity.
