Safety Precautions

Safety Precautions And Warnings

Users of an IRON RAFT homemade packraft and any other water sport equipment built with our fabrics should understand that participation in water sports such as packrafting can be dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.

All our fabrics and IRON RAFT packraft kit fabrics are lightweight and as with all lightweight fabrics, they can be easily punctured. Users should be aware of this fact and must always consider it when assessing if water conditions are appropriate and safe for the use of a packraft. A punctured tube can result in an immediate requirement for the user to swim, therefore the user should never use a packraft in any water that he/she is not willing to swim or capable of swimming to safety.

IRON RAFT has no means to monitor and access the experience, judgment, or abilities of the users of the packrafts built from our fabrics/ IRON RAFT packraft kits. Therefore, we recommend that all users adhere to the following guidelines when using any water sport product produced from any of our products:

  • Undertake paddle sport instruction specific to the type of craft you are using
  • Consult a physician prior to undertaking your specific paddle sport training
  • Undertake a first aid course prior to use and always carry first aid and safety/rescue equipment
  • Never paddle under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Always wear proper safety equipment including a helmet and a personal flotation device
  • Always wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
  • Always check all of your equipment prior to each use for any signs of wear or failure
  • Always paddle with a partner.
  • Never paddle alone Never paddle in flood conditions
  • Always scout unfamiliar waters and portage when necessary
  • Be aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal changes, dangerous currents and any weather changes that may affect you
  • Do not exceed your paddling ability

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Introduction: Packrafts allow you to explore rivers and lakes, but they come with significant risks. This Safety Precautions and Warnings guide explains the dangers of packrafting, how to use your packraft safely, how to maintain it, and important legal disclaimers. Please read this carefully before using your packraft. Your safety is your responsibility.

Inherent Risks of Packrafting

Packrafting is an adventure sport that can be extremely dangerous for the inexperienced or unprepared. Risks inherent in packrafting include:

  • Drowning and Water Hazards: You can drown if you capsize or fall out of the packraft. Strong currents, rapids, waterfalls, or tides can sweep you away. Cold water can cause shock or hypothermia very quickly. Obstacles like rocks, submerged trees (strainers), or weirs can trap or injure you.

  • Weather and Environment: Conditions can change suddenly. Bad weather (fog, heavy rain, lightning) can create dangerous situations. High winds can cause loss of control. Cold air or water temperatures pose hypothermia risk, while hot weather can cause dehydration or heat illness.

  • Physical Strain: Packrafting can be physically demanding. Paddling against currents or for long periods can exhaust you. There’s risk of muscle strain, seasickness, or panic in stressful situations. If you are not in good health or conditioning, these risks increase.

  • Equipment Failure: Packrafts are made of lightweight materials for portability; this means they can puncture or tear if they hit sharp objects. A sudden puncture can deflate your raft, leading to immediate immersion in water. Paddle or gear failure can also leave you stranded or unable to control the raft. Always be prepared for the possibility that your equipment could fail without warning.

  • Inexperience: Many accidents happen because a user overestimates their ability or underestimates the river. Inexperienced users may not know how to read river conditions or perform self-rescue. Lack of training in swiftwater rescue or first aid can turn a manageable incident into a life-threatening situation.

Plain Safety Message: You could get seriously hurt or even killed while packrafting. The water can be unpredictable. If your packraft gets a hole, it might deflate and you’ll end up in the water suddenly. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the risk is much higher. Always keep these dangers in mind.

Safe Use Practices and Guidelines

To greatly reduce your risk, follow these safety practices every time you packraft:

  • Get Training: Learn how to packraft from experts. Take a packrafting or paddle-sports course if you’re a beginner. Learn basic paddling strokes, how to brace, how to exit an overturned boat, and rescue techniques. Practice in calm water before tackling rivers.

  • Never Go Alone: Always packraft with at least one other competent person. In an emergency, you need someone who can call for help or assist in a rescue. A buddy can save your life if you capsize – do not paddle solo.

  • Wear a Lifejacket (PFD): Always wear a properly fitting Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket) that meets UK safety standards (CE/UKCA approved). It will keep you afloat if you end up in the water. No exceptions – a PFD is essential even on easy water.

  • Wear a Helmet (when appropriate): If you are in any rapid, shallow, or rocky water, wear a watersports helmetto protect your head. A tumble in whitewater or a collision with rocks can cause head injuries – a helmet greatly reduces this risk.

  • Dress for the Conditions: Wear suitable clothing for the water and weather. In cold water/cold weather, use a wetsuit or drysuit and thermal layers to prevent hypothermia. In sunny or hot conditions, protect yourself from sunburn and heat exhaustion. Always assume you will get wet – avoid cotton and wear quick-drying, insulating layers.

  • Carry Safety Gear: Equip yourself with safety and emergency items. Always bring a first aid kit and a repair kit for the packraft. Carry a throw rope, a whistle, and if possible, a mobile phone in a waterproof case or a satellite communicator for emergencies. Consider carrying a knife (to cut ropes or entanglements) and an emergency shelter/blanket.

  • Plan and Know Your Route: Research the river or waterway you plan to paddle. Check the water levels, flow rate, and weather forecast before you go. Identify any known hazards (rapids, waterfalls, dangerous currents) and avoid packrafting in flood conditions or if water levels are unusually high. Plan an exit strategy – know where you can get off the river if needed.

  • Scout and Avoid Hazards: When you come to unfamiliar or potentially dangerous sections, get out and scout the area on foot first. If you see hazards like strong rapids, strainers, or waterfalls that you’re not sure you can handle, portage (carry the packraft around them) instead of risking it. It’s always okay to walk around a hazard.

  • Stay Within Your Limits: Be honest about your skills and endurance. Do not attempt rivers or conditions beyond your training and experience. Start with gentle waters and progress slowly. If you feel uncertain about any situation, don’t proceed. Turning back or walking out is far better than pushing on into danger.

  • No Alcohol or Drugs: Never use the packraft if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that can impair judgment or coordination. Packrafting requires clear thinking and quick reflexes. Save any celebratory drinks for after you’re off the water safe.

  • Health and Fitness: Make sure you are in a suitable physical and mental state for packrafting. If you have any medical conditions (heart issues, epilepsy, etc.) or poor swimming ability, take extra precautions or reconsider packrafting. It’s advised to consult your doctor if you’re unsure about the physical demands. You must be able to swim confidently in the kind of water you plan to raft – if not, do not go.

  • Tell Someone Your Plan: Always inform a friend or family member of your packrafting plans. Share details like where you’re going, who is with you, and when you expect to return. This way, if something goes wrong and you don’t return on time, someone can raise the alarm and direct rescuers to your location.

  • Use Proper Equipment: Only use appropriate gear that is in good condition. This includes your paddle, PFD, helmet, appropriate clothing, and the packraft itself. Make sure your paddle is the right type and length for packrafting. If you’re doing whitewater, consider additional gear like a spraydeck (if available for your packraft model) to keep water out. Don’t overload the packraft beyond its capacity – check the manufacturer’s weight limits.

  • Stay Alert and Sober: While on the water, continuously assess your environment. Watch for obstacles or changes in the water. Keep a safe distance from hazards and from your fellow paddlers to avoid collisions. If something feels wrong (weather turning, equipment issues, fatigue), get off the water as soon as it’s safe to do so.

Maintenance and Inspection of Your Packraft

Keeping your packraft in good condition is critical for safety. Follow these maintenance and inspection tips:

  • Inspect Before Each Trip: Check your packraft every time before you paddle. Look over the hull for any tears, punctures, abrasions, or weak seams. Ensure the valves are working properly and not leaking. Inflate the raft fully and make sure it holds air pressure for some time before you head out. If you hear air hissing or see softening, find and repair the leak before use.

  • Check Your Gear: Also inspect your paddle for cracks or damage, and ensure your PFD straps and buckles are secure and not torn. Replace or repair any faulty equipment prior to going on the water. Never assume gear is fine without checking – a quick inspection can prevent accidents.

  • Maintenance: Rinse your packraft with fresh water after use, especially after using it in saltwater or dirty rivers, to avoid corrosion or material degradation. Make sure to dry the packraft completely before storing it to prevent mold or mildew. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. UV light can weaken the materials over time, so avoid leaving the raft in the sun for extended periods when not in use.

  • Repairs: Carry a basic repair kit (patches, adhesive) with you on trips. If your packraft gets a puncture or tear, get to shore if possible and use your repair kit to patch it up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for repairs. Do not continue using a damaged packraft that cannot be properly repaired in the field – exit the water and address the issue. For major repairs or if you’re unsure, contact us or the manufacturer for guidance.

  • Regular Checks: Periodically (at least once a season), do a thorough examination: inflate the raft and leave it overnight to test for slow leaks, check all seams and attachment points, and ensure accessories (like seat, straps, D-rings) are secure. This helps catch problems early.

  • No Unauthorized Modifications: Do not modify your packraft with non-approved materials or methods (such as adding unsanctioned holes, attaching homemade fixtures, etc.). Alterations might weaken the structure or create new hazards (for example, adding something that could snag and trap you). If you add outfitting (like thigh straps or additional attachments), use only manufacturer-approved kits and ensure they do not impair your ability to exit the raft quickly. If a modification causes an issue, it’s your responsibility.

Legal Disclaimers and User Acknowledgment

Assumption of Risk: By using the packraft, you acknowledge that you understand and accept all the risks described above and any other hazards of water sports. Packrafting is done at your own risk. Iron Raft Ltd cannot eliminate these risks – we can only provide guidance. Ultimately, your safety depends on your decisions and actions.

No Skill Certification: Iron Raft Ltd cannot evaluate your fitness, training, or judgment. We do not know your personal skill level or decision-making on the water. Only you can judge whether it’s safe for you to be packrafting in particular conditions. By going out on the water, you are asserting that you have the necessary skills or are under proper supervision to do so. Never assume a location or condition is safe – always make your own assessment.

Liability Waiver: All customers and users of Iron Raft Ltd packrafts must understand that Iron Raft Ltd is not responsible for injuries, deaths, or losses that occur during packrafting, except where the law says we are. You are responsible for your own actions and any consequences. This means, for example, if you were to sue us for an injury, these warnings and our Terms will be used to show that you accepted the risks (which you do by using the product). We reiterate: use of the packraft implies acceptance of all risks and a commitment not to hold Iron Raft Ltd liable for outcomes of inherent risks. (This does not affect your legal rights if the product was defective in a way that caused injury – but those cases are very rare. In nearly all situations, accidents are due to the nature of the activity or user error, not product faults.)

User Responsibility Statement: “I am responsible for my own safety.” This is the fundamental rule of all adventure sports. We encourage you to recite this to yourself whenever you plan a trip. Iron Raft Ltd provides the equipment only – we cannot ensure you use it correctly. By using our packraft, you agree that your safety is in your own hands. Use your common sense, follow these guidelines, and enjoy packrafting in a responsible manner.