While we can’t entirely eliminate the risk of contracting COVID-19, we are changing our operations to reduce the threat and to make you feel as comfortable as possible on the river in 2021. We have new operating protocols in place and new expectations for our guests (pre-trip screening).
What we are doing:
- We are reducing trip sizes to allow for more spacing on our busses and rafts. We will have more rafts and guides out there, and we will do our best to limit each raft to family members or groups that have been quarantining together.
- Face masks will be required on the shuttle bus to and from the river, but not on the rafts themselves. Each trip member will be responsible for bringing their own masks (2 per person). We will have masks available for purchase at our meeting location.
- Each rafter will be assigned his or her individual life jacket, paddle, and helmet for the entire trip. All river gear will be sanitized after each trip.
- Hand washing stations with soap and sanitizer will be provided at our meeting spot on the Merced river, and at our base camp on the Kings river. Frequent hand sanitizing and social distancing will be our mantra throughout the trip.
- We will require social distancing at Camp, and masks will be mandatory in the food lines. Staff will wear appropriate gloves and face masks when preparing and serving meals, and guests will not be allowed in the kitchen area until meals are ready.
- All Zephyr employees will be temperature checked daily. Any employee showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to work until they test negative or show no signs or symptoms for 10 consecutive days.
What we expect from you:
Before your Trip
- If you are in an “at risk” category, we recommend that you consult with your physician prior to booking your trip.
- We have updated our Risk Forms to alert you to the risk of exposure to COVID-19 while on a trip. Everyone will need to read, acknowledge, and sign a waiver prior to their trip. These forms are contained in our confirmation email, which the group organizer will email out to each guest.
- We plan to send guests our Health Pledge and ask each person to review and sign prior to their trip. This pledge states that in the 10 days before your trip you have neither experienced COVID-19 symptoms nor been exposed to anyone testing positive for COVID-19.
- If you start experiencing symptoms prior to the trip, please let us know and we can help reschedule your trip. Limiting contact with others for 10 days prior to your trip is strongly encouraged.
During your Trip
- Check in will be done outdoors and the Trip leader will be informing guests of proper procedures and distancing between groups during check in. Please wear a mask when checking in.
- Please bring your own face covering/mask and a ziploc bag. Coverings that can be worn around your neck, like bandanas or buffs, work great in addition to cloth masks. Guests and employees will be required to wear a mask or face covering during transportation to and from the river, and when social distancing is not possible.
- Bring personal hand sanitizer in small containers to use in times where we do not have it available.
- It is important to remain hydrated during our trips, so please make sure to bring your own water bottle. We will have bottles for sale upon check in.
- If you or someone in your group has symptoms or tests positive anytime in the 10 days following your trip, please let us know. We will need to notify our local agencies and other guests present on the trip.
Responsible Travel: Please be aware of your potential impacts on the small communities where we will be meeting you. Local economies are dependent on tourism but less prepared for more COVID infections. Don’t travel if you show symptoms or have been around people who have shown symptoms, minimize your interactions while traveling, get dinner to go and stay in the night before your trip, wear a face covering, and wash your hands. And remember, we’re ALL in this together; an outbreak in a local community could end the rafting season for everyone.
