COVID Update - Opening Day May 15/2023

 Interior Whitewater is entering into its 41st season rafting on some of British Columbia’s most exciting rivers and is looking forward to welcoming guests back on May 15th for another summer of fantastic trips on the Clearwater River in Wells Gray Park.

We have had several months to think about how we are best prepared to take on activities such as rafting amid the Covid-19 Global Pandemic to keep our employees and clients as safe as possible.

Because our activities take place in wide open areas we have been told by Public Health authorities that the risk is low but we still need to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. We have shown the ability to manage risk over our 41 years on the Clearwater River in a very thorough and organized way and this summer amid the pandemic it will be no different for us. Managing risk is what IWE has always been good at.

We are watching the Covid-19 situation closely and will be in a position to adjust our policies as they are needed. For now we are back to somewhat of a normal situation around IWE with the way we run our trips. Small groups or big groups-doesn't matter-we're  ready to go. 

What We Need You To Do:

1. Do not come rafting if you are feeling sick and showing symptoms of Covid-19, have been in contact with someone who is sick or has Covid-19, or have been out of the country and have just returned in the last 14 days.
2. Maintain physical distancing whenever possible and be ready to wear facial protection (mask or buff) when physical distancing is not possible. Masks will be available to purchase at our office.
3. Regularly wash and sanitize your hands.
4. Face coverings (mask or buff) will be used when we cannot maintain physical distancing. Be prepared to bring this with you but if you don’t have one-not to worry we will be selling these in our office for a minimal price.
5. Book your trip with family members, friends, or people that are already in your bubble.
6. Bring along some food and something to drink to store in your vehicle for after the trip.
7. Bring personal hand sanitizer along if you have it.
8. Because all of this is as new to us as it is to you try to be as patient as possible when dealing with our staff during the booking process, we will figure this out together.

What We Are Doing

1. As one of the founding members of the British Columbia River Outfitters Association Interior Whitewater has helped develop and implement the Rafting Best Practices Code for Covid-19.
2. Assessing on a daily basis all staffs health and as well as our guests prior to arrival.
3. Extensive cleaning of all gear including lifejackets, wetsuits, helmets, busses, and any other hard surface that may have been touched.
4. Complying with all Govt. guidelines and regulations regarding face masks and social distancing.
5. Procedural changes and monitoring to limit the number of people in the washrooms, change rooms and office for guests who need to enter these spaces. Physical barriers and distancing markers will be used.
6. Thorough training of all staff members with our new policies, procedures, cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing protocols.
7. Promoting social bubble rafting.
8. Providing all of our staff with PPE for times they’re required to use it.
9. Our cancellation policy is much more flexible for summer 2023 due to Covid-19.  Full  refunds will be given for any cancellations up to 48 hours prior to your trip. If you need to cancel your trip within 48 hours of your departure, a CREDIT will be given. The credit will be valid for 365 days from the date of cancellation.
   
   If you need to reschedule your 2023 trip, your re-booked trip date will be subject to our  normal cancellation policy.
10. Monitoring all changes to Covid-19 Guidelines and updating our policies as needed.
11. Monitoring how our guests are checking in and doing our utmost to try to maintain physical distancing.