River Recreation Toolkit

Join us in sharing consistent boating safety and river recreation messaging so people can make good decisions, and memories for a lifetime!

Below are sample posts for social media that you can copy, paste, and adapt to your channel’s voice.

Plan Ahead, Be Ready, and Don't Forget

Messaging:

• In the summer months be sure to stay hydrated and bring water. Dehydration, combined with other environmental stressors can lead to reduced hand-eye coordination and slower reaction times.
• Make sure you're carrying the right safety gear. Paddlers need a life jacket, whistle, and flashlight (for limited visibility or nighttime). Expect to get wet! It's part of the fun.
• Oregon is named a “cold water state" because the water temperature in most waterbodies remains under 65 degrees. Be sure to dress and gear up for the water temperature and water exposure. Always carry a dry bag with extra clothes! 
• Print out a Float Plan to let family and friends know where you're going and when to expect you back. They can call for help if you're overdue.
• Paddlecraft 10 feet and longer need to carry a properly fitting life jacket and whistle and purchase a Waterway Access Permit.
• Have communication devices. A whistle is required for paddlecraft. It's also a good idea to carry a cell phone in a water-protective case.
• Make sure you and everyone in your paddling group know the universal hand signals. Don't wander too far apart from one another and keep a vigilant eye out for others.
• If you're new to paddling, pick waterways that are protected by land from strong wind, have a weak current, are not congested with other users, and are free from navigation obstructions. Small inland lakes are a great place to start. Get some itinerary inspiration!
• Do you know wheree you are on the river? Look for river mile signs along the Willamette Water Trail. Signs are placed roughly every 10 miles from Eugene to Lake Oswego. If you need help, let the first responders know the closest river mile to your location. 
• Take time to research the water levels and flow rates for where you plan to paddle. Gauge your skill and where to go based on this information. Other sections of the same river may be easier than others.
• Sometimes when you need to "go," the upland restrooms may be closed or unavailable. Carry hand sanitizer, gloves, a garbage bag, and other essentials to contain your waste. Dispose of garbage properly. You can dispose of holding compartments (like a bucket) in a public dump station. The water thanks you!
• Help prevent bottlenecks at the boat ramp. Being efficient and organized for a quick launch will make everyone happy. Use developed staging areas or vehicle parking spaces to prep your gear and supplies.
• Have emergency contact numbers on hand. Dial 911 for emergencies.
  

 Make Smart Choices, Keep It Natural, and Be Respectful 

Messaging:

• Never paddle alone. Render aid (if it's safe to do so) or call for help (link to LE numbers) if another boater is in trouble.
• Account for the time it takes and your skill level to complete your desired trip. Remember, river miles are different than road miles. The flow volume varies throughout the year, as does the current strength. 
  
• Check your route for river debris and navigation 
  obstructions. Always scout ahead and expect the unexpected.
  
• Boating under the influence of intoxicants carries stiff penalties. 17-20% of recreational boating accidents and fatalities involve impairing substances. Boat safe, boat sober!
  
• Use public boat launches and avoid dragging paddlecraft down the riverbank. This damages the riparian habitat and contributes to bank instability. Dragging heavy objects of any kind can lead to erosion.
  
• Protect nature by using staging areas. Prep your boat and gear in the parking area, not at the boat ramp while others are trying to launch and retrieve.
  
• "Clean, Drain and Dry" your boat after every use to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
  
• Sound carries over water. Keep the tunes at a good volume. This is why something as small as a whistle works well in an emergency. Whistles are required equipment to carry for paddlecraft.
  
• Pack out what you pack in. Use the garbage container to dispose of trash and use restrooms or vault toilets. Human waste leads to disease and even contributes to algae blooms. 
  
• Respect Private Property. The Willamette River is a public resource, but the banks may be privately owned. Assume the upper banks are privately owned unless otherwise noted on a sign or map. Use developed public access facilities to put in and take out. 
  
• As you travel the river in a paddlecraft (kayak, canoe, inflatable raft, or boat) and plan to spend the night along the river, it's important to remember to adhere to the 7-principles of Leave No Trace.
• Invest in a "WAG bag." It's a free-standing basin with a toilet seat and a plastic bag containing waste for proper disposal. (WAG is an acronym for Waste Aggregation and Gelling.)
• Respect wildlife. You are the visitor to their habitat. Fish and wildlife are also impacted by drought. Learn how you can help.
• Your boat operation impacts others around you, just as their boat operation impacts you! Share the waterway. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

 Enjoy Yourself, Say Hello, and Spread Goodwill 

Messaging:

• Spending time on the water helps reset the mind and stabilize positive mood states. The water is calling!
• Boat ramps are designed with trailered motorboats in mind. Trailers are less maneuverable and the driver backing down may not see paddlers launching or retrieving. Please give motorized boats room to maneuver and back down the ramp. Even better...have a conversation and work together so everyone can enter and exit the water safely.
• Acknowledge other users around you with a smile or a wave so they know you see them. This helps spread goodwill, is courteous, and is a great way to share the water.
• Research the communities where you plan to put in and take out. Support the local community with an overnight stay, eat at a restaurant, or grab an after-river refreshment.
• The Willamette River Water Trail is recognized as a world-class asset. Why? Because of river ambassadors, guardians, and habitat restoration stewards. Consider volunteering and/or donating to these organizations. 
• Learn the navigation rules of the road to avoid collisions or accidents with other users. The basic rule is, "don't hit stuff." Larger boats are heavier and can take longer to stop. Paddlecraft maneuver more slowly under human power. Everyone needs to learn and practice navigating safely.
• Water recreation is growing in popularity, so expect crowds in some locations with a lot of mixed-use. Expect to see (and hear) motorboats. When you do, paddle to shallower water. Also, look out for swimmers and practice being respectful/courteous to other users.
• When you're on the water with other users, communicate your intentions using sound signaling devices, (even waving your arms works!). Learn the basic sound signals.

• Part of boating is all about exploring. Not just on the water, either! Explore local attractions and cap off your river trip with an upland excursion for a beverage or meal.
• Motorized boaters often need deeper water to operate safely so avoid congregating in the main channel. Cross a river at 90-degree angles.
• Want to learn about the native flora and fauna and abundant wildlife along the Willamette River Water Trail?