Tubing Safety
As the weather gets warmer, we know we’ll see a new wave of people coming to the New Braunfels area to float the river. Nothing says summer in Texas quite like tubing, but nothing ruins a trip to the river like an injury, or worse. To keep you safe, here are a few tips:
Hydration
It can be strange to get dehydrated while surrounded by water, but this is the number-one cause of injury and illness on the river. With temperatures rising while you’re floating in this sun, it’s critical to drink more water than you would on a normal day. Be prepared! Drink lots of water before you leave for the river, take plenty of water with you, and don’t forget that alcohol cannot replace water.
If you start to feel dizzy, fatigued, or if you stop sweating, you’re at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Please get out of the sun, cool down, hydrate immediately, and seek medical help.
Sunscreen
You know you need to wear sunscreen when you’re going to be outside all day, but there are a few things to remember. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you get into the water, preferably 30 minutes. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours. Be particularly aware of the underside of your legs, arms, and the back of your neck and ears. These areas face the reflection of the rubber tube and water, creating an increased risk of sunburn. Reapply sunscreen to children every hour and a half. Just because you don’t “feel hot” doesn’t mean you’re not getting sunburned!
All sunburns are dangerous and increase your likelihood of getting skin cancer. Please use at least SPF 30. We promise you’ll get your tan when you’re on the river all day, even with sunscreen!
Drinking Safety
Drinking is part of many people’s river experience, but this doesn’t mean you can’t be safe! Drink responsibly, always have a designated driver, and drink water in between alcoholic drinks. This isn’t meant to keep you from having fun, but remember that alcohol does increase the dangers of the river.
Take Care of Each Other
This is the most important one! Your best chance for staying safe is keeping your eye on your friends. Keep track of where each member of your group is, warn others when there’s low water or fast rapids, tie children’s tubes to an adult’s tube, and remind others to reapply sunscreen and drink water.
These may seem inconvenient, but they will require only a few moments out of your fun weekend in New Braunfels, and they could save you a trip to the emergency room. If you do need an emergency room during your visit to the river in New Braunfels, Riverside ER is always open with board-certified doctors and 24/7 availability. We’re here to help, but we hope you don’t need us during what’s supposed to be a fun weekend. Enjoy the river!