Gauge Description:

When the river is above five feet at the Westham gauge a PFD is required when on the River. At 9ft and above a permit is required along with paddling in groups of 3 or more and carrying a first aid kit/rescue line. The permit system is a result of a compromise between the boating community and the city which wanted to ban boating during high levels. The permit cost is $10 for two years and can be obtained at the Church Hill Fire department located at 24th & Broad St. There is no exam nor test issued to obtain a permit.