The organisers have taken all practical precautions to make the race a safe as possible including checking the river for hazards before the race and testing the water quality. But this is a water activity on a river and the the organisers take no responsibility for the safety of the participants taking part in the event and its up to the captain, crew and caregivers to look after their own safety and the safety of fellow competitors. Participants take part at their own risk.

The water quality is suitable for boating but there is e-coli present in the water due to ducks and other birdlife, and is not suitable for swimming for drinking. Constants are therefore warned not to put their heads under the water, not to drink any of the water, to wash their hands after the race before eating, and to shower after the race once they get home. Hand washing facilities and hand sanitiser will be provided in Hansen Park and the end of the race.

Rain can affect the water quality of the river, so if there is rain in the days before the race and the water quality is deemed not suitable the race will be cancelled and contestants who have pre-registered will be notified via email.

All rafts must pre-register by the Wednesday before the race. This allows the organisers to know the number of rafts and participants taking part so they can provide adequate resources. All rafts which have pre-registered will receive free sausages from the BBQ in Hansen park after the race, will be eligible for prizes, and have vehicle access to Hansen Park to collect their raft after the race. After pre-registering you will receive an information pack with further details.

The river day is to promote the river and surrounding reserves and parks and we wish to leave the river in the same or better state. Therefore please do not use any polystyrene or other materials that could litter the river in the construction of your raft. Please no flour bombs, water bombs or balloons. Throwing water is fine! If you come across any litter please collect it and place it in the rubbish bins which will be provided in Hansen Park. There will be prizes awarded to those who collect any litter.

General Event Rules for Supervising Adult/ Team Captain

Participants under 10 years : parent/caregiver permission required and adult supervision on raft compulsory
Participants under 14 years: parent/caregiver permission required
Raft enter the water at the jetty and float downstream to the start area (by Beckford Rd bridge)
Your registration number must be clearly mounted on your raft (hint, use waterproof cloth tape) and place the other one inside the windshield of your car.
No motors/ powered boats
No polystyrene as part of your raft.

As well as rafts your are welcome to use other water craft such a kayaks, canoes, bath tubs etc.

Note there is no prize for coming first!

Please remove all material used for your raft from the river and take it home.

Please note: It takes some time to check the safety of rafts and assist them onto the water, so arrive in plenty of time. Checking starts at 11am, and the race starts at 12pm.

Please ensure you have warm clothes as there may be some waiting time both on and off the water before the start of the race. Thank you in advance for your patience.

Time Table

11am: Raft inspection begins. After inspection your raft will be given a registration number to be placed on your raft. You will then be allowed to lauched your craft.

12pm: Race starts at the Beckford Rd bridge.

12:30pm – 1pm: Rafts are expected to start arriving at the finish line (Aynsley Terrace foot bridge) in Hansen Park.

Traffic Rules

Riverlaw Tce will be made one way, with entry off St Martins Rd. The drop off area on Riverlaw Tce is not a car park. You will need to find a park in the general area once the raft has been unloaded.
All vehicles must not exceed 10 kph around drop off and pick up areas and have hazard lights flashing and trailer lights working.
Always drive between the cones/ roped driveways or as directed by an Event Official.
Contestants will be allowed to drive into Hansen park to collect their rafts at the end of the raft race. The collection area is not a car park.
Event organisers ask all drivers to be patient with other vehicles and extra vigilant of children while dropping off and picking up rafts and participants.

Safety Rules and Risks for all participants

Safety Clothing & Equipment

Life jackets must be worn by all participants (including Adults).
All participants should wear suitable clothing and footwear (No bare feet or jandals). We recommend a polypro or wool top that sits close to the skin in case you get wet. Hypothermia is still a threat during the summer.
Be SunSmart, cover up, wear a hat and sunscreen.
We recommend that participants have a fresh change of warm/dry clothes, shoes and a towel available on the completion of the river journey.
Bring a water bottle for of the river journey. Vendors selling drinks will also be present at the after-event function.

Safety Procedures

Do not leave bags/ equipment or gear unattended.
Enter raft in the designated area on Riverlaw Tce as directed by Event Officials only.
Enter river only when your group is instructed to do so.
Exit river at point downstream of finish line as directed by officials.
Remain in areas designated with your raft.
All team members to stay in water or on raft for the whole course. If you need to exit the river before the completion of the course, please make sure you let an official know. Event officials will be checking to make sure all participants have been accounted for.
No interference with other teams or raft will be permitted. eg no flour bombs, don’t raise paddles, no shoving.

Water safety

Organisers will arrange to have any obstructing debris moved out of the river prior to the event but be aware that there is always the possibility of broken glass on the bottom of the river.
All raft race participants must avoid putting their head under water or swallowing river water.
All participants should wash hands with soap/disinfectant after coming in contact with the river or with rafts that have been in the river. Sanitiser will be provided at the finish point.
We encourage people to have a shower after completing the race.