The Safety Code of American Whitewater has been prepared using the best available information and has been reviewed by a broad cross section of whitewater experts. The code,however, is only a collection of guidelines; attempts to minimize risks should be flexible, not constrained by a rigid set of rules.Varying conditions and group goals may combine with unpredictable circumstances to require alternate procedures. This code is not intended to serve as a standard of care for commercial outfitters or guides.