Safety has been a core issue for AW since 1954, and today we are leaders in accident analysis and safety education based on that research. We regularly advise legislative bodies and river managers on the best ways to educate whitewater users, which helps everyone enjoy our rivers safely. Formal risk management is part of all our programs enhancing safety and reducing liability risks for all.

TheAccident Database is a comprehensive collection and analysis of whitewater accidents and close calls. This analysis provides the foundation for the AW Safety Code which outlines whitewater safety guidelines applicable to all skill levels.

Report an Accident: We ask all witnesses to submit their own accounts. If you have a correction about an accident please email ccwalbridge@cs.com. If you have questions or comments about any accident please post them on the AW Safety Forum or email the safety committee.

CAUTION: This database, while extensive, is not complete. A significant number of accidents are not reported to us. Confusion often results when people interpret the data without assistance from the American Whitewater Safety Committee. For example, accidents we tag as “commercial” include guided raft tours, kayak schools, and canoe liveries. They also include programs run by schools, camps, colleges, and by rangers at local, state, and national parks. Our numbers, therefore, will probably not agree with organizations which focus on one of more of these subgroups.

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