Required Equipment for Boating and Rafting

Adult Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Each participant MUST have a serviceable U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). At least one spare PFD must be carried for every 10 persons on the trip (i.e. a trip with 1 to 10 participants must have at least one spare PFD, and a trip with 11-20 participants must have at least two extra PFDs). The PFDs must be maintained in good and serviceable condition in compliance with the USCG standards AND MUST BE WORN AND FASTENED PROPERLY AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON THE RIVER (except from Cove Campsite to Rainbow Park boat ramp on the Green River). All PFDs must have a USCG approved label stating the PFD is designed for whitewater rafting, canoeing, rescue, sailing, paddling, and/or kayaking.

GENERAL BOATING, ACTION SPORTS, FISHING, AND SKI VESTS ARE PROHIBITED. The PFDs may not have any holes, rips, tears, broken/repaired buckles, or broken/repaired zippers, and must be appropriately sized for each person.

 

Child PFDs

Children must properly wear an appropriately sized Coast Guard approved Type III or V PFD rated for their weight with a static shell and a minimum inherent buoyancy of 11 lbs at all times. Horse-collar type life jackets and ski and fishing vests are not acceptable. You must bring a spare child-size PFD for all trips with children. All children under 13 years of age must wear a PFD at all times while on a watercraft.

 

Spare Oars/Paddles

Each oar powered watercraft must carry one extra oar. Each paddle raft must carry two extra paddles. On all kayak/canoe trips, one extra paddle is required for every 5 kayaks and/or canoes. If there are fewer than 5 kayaks or canoes, one extra paddle is required. Secondary, discretionary use watercraft such as play boats and stand-up-paddle-boards are not required to have extra paddles.

 

First Aid Kits

A major first aid kit is required and must be carried on each trip. A smaller kit must be carried on each additional boat or unsupported kayak/canoe. A major first aid kit should include supplies for treating medical emergencies and traumatic injuries (gloves, facial barrier, splinting material, trauma dressings, etc.). A minor first aid kit should include supplies for treating minor wounds and injuries.

 

Toilet Containers

Each group must carry and use at least one container toilet system that is washable, reusable, and will not leak when inverted to carry out human waste on multi-day trips. It must be accessible for use during the day. Bag systems (such as wag bags or PET systems) are not permitted. Toilet systems are strongly recommended, but not required, on one-day trips.

 

Spray Skirts and Flotation

Water-tight spray skirts and flotation for each hard shelled kayak and/or decked canoe are required.

 

Air Pump

An air pump is required in each group with inflatable large and/or small craft.

 

Boat Repair Kits

Repair kits suitable for each type of boat on the trip are required. A suitable repair kit included supplies capable of repairing tears in fabric and replacing or repairing valves and frame components.

 

Strainer

A mesh strainer for dishwater and ashes is required for multi-day trips, but not on 1-day trips.

 

Fire Pan & Fire Blanket

A fire pan is required if you intend to build a fire. Fire pans must be elevated off the ground with legs, rocks, or other items and must be appropriate for the size of fire. A fireproof blanket or welder’s cloth must be carried and placed under a fire pan and must be of sufficient size to catch coals and ashes around the fire pan. Fire ash must be strained and large/floatable contents removed, before the remainder may be deposited in the main river current. All floatable fire residue must be carried out. Trips are only required to have a fire pan and fire blanket if building a fire. If there is a ‘no open flames’ fire ban in the monument, open fires are prohibited

 

Bailing Device

Each boat with a non-self bailing floor must carry a bailing device, except kayaks.

 

Flotation for Open Dories and Whitewater Canoes

Open dories and whitewater canoes must have securely attached flotation equal to two-thirds of volume or eight cubic feet.

 

Decked Dories

Closed or decked dories must have leak-proof, sealed chambers.

 

Helmets

Helmets are required for all kayaks, canoes, and discretionary watercraft such as paddleboards and must be worn in all named rapids. They are recommended for all other watercraft in all named rapids. One extra helmet is required for every five small craft. Bike helmets are not appropriate.

 

Kitchen Ground Tarp

Kitchen ground tarps must be placed under food preparation and serving tables to leave the beach free of food scraps. The food scraps caught by the kitchen ground tarp should be disposed of in an appropriate trash container.

 

Rescue Kit

One rescue kit (z-drag kit) containing adequate gear to rescue a trapped boat is required per group. Participants should have knowledge of river rescue techniques. A rescue kit must add mechanical advantage.

 

Throw Bag

One throw bag is required for all rafts and dories, including those under 16 feet..

 

Paperwork

A current copy of the Boating in the Mounument Information and Regulations booklet, an accurate passenger list that matches the one on file in the river office, and a printed permit for launch signed by the river office are required to be readily available at all times.