Accident Reports and How to Post Them

We would like to use this forum to begin collecting and sharing information about packrafting accidents. We view this as a great learning opportunity, not as a venue to criticize and shame others. Similar analyses of accidents in other outdoor pursuits such as climbing and backcountry skiing have proven to an effective way to advance recreation safety.

We encourage you to submit information about packrafting accidents to this forum in a consistent format.

We request that accident reports contain the following information:

Date and time of accident
Accident location (Name of location, state and country)
Number of persons in party
Setting of accident (road access, trail access, remote)
Class of whitewater (if known and relevant)
River condition (high water, low water, sweepers or other obstructions)
Weather conditions
Injuries or fatalities
Lost or damaged gear

Narrative description of accident and any resulting response or rescue
Narrative analysis of cause of the accident and lessons learned

Safe boating,
The American Packrafting Association