Rafting Safety
At KRS we take river safety seriously. We have worked very hard over the past 20 years to think of every little detail and make sure we have it covered. From our guides to our equipment and vehicles, your safety is top priority.
Safety Operational Plan
We have an extensive Safety Operational Plan (SOP), which outlines safe operating conditions for every aspect of whitewater rafting. Each year we are audited by Maritime New Zealand, achieving the highest safety rating available. We reivew our SOP annually, update any new river hazards as they appear, communicate effectively with our guides and ensure all equipment is in good operating condition.
Our Guides
We believe the best way to be safe on the river is to have highly skilled, knowledgeable, experienced raft guides who can avoid river hazards in the first place. KRS guides are leaders in their field. They exceed the Maritime New Zealand minimum requirements. Through years of rafting at home, they know our New Zealand rivers incredibly well. They have rafted rivers all around the world, bringing home new techniques and equipment along with the river knowledge gained from rafting new rivers. Some KRS guides are extreme, grade 5 kayakers, which exposes them to even more diverse river conditions and challenges. All of this experience combined makes quick thinking, talented KRS raft guides. Have a look at our guide profiles to learn more.
It's always good practise to be prepared for an emergency. Our guides are tranied in advance river rescue and wilderness first aid. They know how to use the safety and 1st aid equipment that they carry, and they refresh these skills on a regular basis.
Equipment
We use only the best river equipment. All of our rafts are self bailiing, three thwarted rafts, which helps to keep guests in the raft and the raft upright. Life jackets, helmets, wetsuits, spray jackets, polar fleece and neoprene shoes are all provided to keep guests safe and warm. These are washed after every use and available in many sizes. We keep a close eye on the condition of our rafts and equipment and perform any required maintenance before sending it back on the river.
Vehicles
KRS passenger transport vehicles all have a COF (Certificate of Fitness), which is monitored by the Land Transport Safety Authority. We hold a Transport Service License for the company, and individual drivers hold the appropriate passenger transport and bus licenses. Our vehicles are kept clean and well maintainted.