Communicating river safety risks to the public is a complex and ongoing challenge. While rivers offer tremendous recreational opportunities—such as kayaking, rafting, tubing, and swimming—they also present inherent dangers.
They may not understand how to identify or navigate hazards like strainers, low-head dams, or high water levels.
Others may be unaware of essential equipment requirements or lack familiarity with best practices for group coordination, rescue readiness, and basic river etiquette.
In many locations, existing signage is outdated, overly technical, cluttered with too much information, or designed without a clear understanding of user behavior.
In other cases, signs are inconsistent from one site to another—using different terminology, symbols, or visual styles—making it difficult for users to quickly understand what’s important or compare conditions from one location to the next.
Beyond safety concerns, poor signage can also negatively affect the appearance and functionality of a river access site. When signs are visually unappealing, overcrowded with text, or placed haphazardly, they not only diminish the user experience but can also encourage vandalism, defacement, or unauthorized postings. Inconsistent or excessive signage can create visual clutter and distract from the natural beauty of the area—undermining the very sense of stewardship that outdoor spaces rely on.
Recognizing these challenges, American Whitewater has taken a proactive approach to improve the clarity, consistency, and effectiveness of safety messaging at river access points nationwide. In partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Program and the creative agency Tangram, American Whitewater has developed a free and open-source signage toolbox specifically designed for river managers, land agencies, and paddling communities.
By using these pre-designed elements, agencies and organizations can create clear, consistent, and engaging signage that effectively communicates risks and promotes safe decision-making.
The materials have been designed with a user-centered approach—prioritizing visual clarity, accessible language, and a logical hierarchy of information.
Importantly, the signage templates are intended to be scalable and adaptable: they can be used for a single kiosk or expanded into a full site plan that includes wayfinding, interpretive panels, and regulatory notices.
The goal is twofold: to elevate public safety awareness and to enhance the overall experience of visiting and recreating at rivers. When users are greeted by well-designed, thoughtfully placed signage, they are more likely to stop, read, and absorb the information. Clear messaging helps them recognize potential dangers, make informed choices, and feel confident in their activities. For land managers and stewardship organizations, the toolbox offers a practical and cost-effective solution to improve safety and reduce liability—while also fostering a culture of responsibility and respect among visitors.
By standardizing the way we communicate river risks and safety protocols, American Whitewater’s Signage Toolbox serves as an important step toward making rivers more accessible, enjoyable, and safe for everyone. As more communities adopt these tools, we move closer to a shared national language around river safety—one that empowers users, protects natural resources, and strengthens the connection between people and rivers.
American Whitewater partnered with NRS to develop PaddleWise, a responsibility code for paddlers for river runners. We have developed a Toolkit with graphics and messaging to spread the PaddleWise message: paddlewise.org/ #PaddleWise
