Guest Responsibilities

At Adventure Idaho, safety is a shared responsibility.

Our guides are highly trained professionals, but safe river travel depends on every guest understanding their role and meeting expectations before, during, and after the trip.

By booking and participating in an Adventure Idaho trip, guests agree to uphold the responsibilities outlined below.

Before Your Trip

Guests are responsible for preparing themselves appropriately for a wilderness river experience.

Before arrival, guests must:

Review and meet all requirements outlined in our Eligibility Criteria, including age, weight, swimming ability, physical fitness, and medical considerations.
Review our Planning & FAQ, Packing Lists, and pre-trip communications to ensure proper clothing, footwear, and gear.
Understand that rafting involves inherent risks, including cold water, moving water, uneven terrain, weather exposure, and limited access to emergency services.
Arrive on time, sober, and physically ready to participate. Late arrivals may forfeit participation without refund.
Complete and sign the Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability Waiver prior to participation.
Inform Adventure Idaho in advance of any relevant medical conditions, allergies, medications, or special needs that may affect safety or trip logistics.

Failure to meet eligibility requirements or arrive prepared may result in denial of participation or removal from the trip without refund.

On the River

Once on the river, guests must follow all guide direction and safety protocols.

Safety Equipment

A properly fitted Type V Coast Guard–approved PFD (life jacket) must be worn at all times on the water, without exception.
Helmets are required on certain river sections, during high water, or whenever directed by guides.
Guests must not alter, remove, or misuse safety equipment.

Guests who cannot be properly fitted with required safety equipment may not participate.

Following Guide Instructions

Guests must follow all guide instructions immediately and without debate, including verbal commands, hand signals, and whistle signals.
Instructions are given to protect the entire group and may change rapidly based on river conditions.
Failure to follow instructions during critical moments creates risk for everyone on the trip.

Guests who repeatedly disregard instructions may be removed from the activity without refund.

Physical Participation and Awareness

Guests are responsible for:

Maintaining balance and stability in the raft during waves, impacts, and maneuvers.
Remaining seated or positioned as instructed while navigating rapids.
Holding onto the raft when directed.
Assisting with basic tasks when appropriate, such as paddling, moving to safety, or self-rescue with guide assistance.
Boarding and disembarking boats multiple times per day over uneven terrain.

Guests must honestly assess fatigue, stress, and physical condition and communicate concerns early.

Medical Disclosure and Self-Management

Guests must:

Manage personal medical conditions independently.
Carry required medications at all times.
Inform guides before launch of any relevant medical issues, allergies, or limitations.
Be capable of self-administering medications.

Adventure Idaho guides are trained in wilderness first aid but are not medical professionals.

Emergency Situations and Communications

In the event of an emergency or critical incident:

Guests agree that Adventure Idaho guides and designated staff will manage all communications with emergency services and outside parties.
Guest communications may be temporarily restricted to ensure accurate information, coordinated response, and group safety.
Guests must follow all emergency communication instructions given by guides.

This includes incidents involving minors, where coordinated communication is essential for safety, accuracy, and legal compliance.

Drugs, Alcohol, and Conduct

Substance Use

Illegal drugs, including marijuana, are strictly prohibited on all Adventure Idaho trips, vehicles, and properties.
Open alcohol containers are not permitted in company vehicles under Idaho law.
Alcohol is not permitted on the river.
Guests may consume alcohol responsibly at camp during multi-day trips or after rafting on day trips, where allowed.
Guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate.

Conduct and Behavior

Guests are expected to:

Act cooperatively and respectfully toward guides, staff, fellow guests, other river users, land managers, and local communities.
Avoid behavior that endangers themselves or others.
Respect group dynamics and follow trip structure.

Harassment, reckless behavior, refusal to follow instructions, or conduct that compromises safety or professionalism will result in removal from the trip without refund.

Youth Participants, Families, and Group Leaders

Adventure Idaho regularly hosts families, youth groups, schools, and organized programs.

Guides lead river activities and safety instruction.
Parents, guardians, group leaders, and chaperones remain responsible for the supervision and conduct of youth participants at all times, outside of direct on-water guiding.
Youth must meet all physical, swimming, and behavioral requirements outlined in our Eligibility Criteria.
Youth participants are expected to follow guide instructions and maintain appropriate behavior at all times.

Adventure Idaho maintains strict professional boundaries and group-based supervision standards. We have zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, grooming behavior, or inappropriate conduct involving minors. Staff are mandatory reporters under applicable law.

Environmental Responsibility

Guests are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles:

Pack out all trash.
Respect wildlife and natural features.
Use designated toilet systems and facilities as instructed.
Preserve beaches, camps, and river corridors for future visitors.

Right to Refuse or Remove Participation

Adventure Idaho reserves the right to:

Deny participation prior to a trip.
Remove guests during a trip.
Modify participation based on changing conditions.

This may occur if a guest:

Does not meet eligibility or safety requirements.
Poses a risk to themselves, other guests, or guides.
Is unable to safely continue due to health, mobility, fatigue, or behavioral concerns.

All such decisions are made solely in the interest of safety. No refunds or credits will be issued in these cases.

Shared Values

By joining an Adventure Idaho trip, guests agree to uphold our shared values:

Safety: putting people and preparedness first.
Respect: for the river, for others, and for yourself.
Stewardship: leaving Idaho’s rivers wild, clean, and thriving for future generations.

Together, we create an environment where professionalism, fun, and adventure can thrive safely.