Is rafting dangerous? See how we take care of your safety in Brotas

“Is rafting dangerous?” and “is rafting safe?” are the questions we hear most from people going down the river for the first time. The short answer: yes, it is safe when done with a reputable operator, proper equipment and a well-prepared team. In this post we explain what makes rafting safe and how we take care of every adventurer at Brotas Rafting.

Is rafting safe for beginners?

Yes. Rafting in Brotas takes place on the Jacaré Pepira River, with rapids suitable for tourism, and requires no experience. You don't need to know how to swim: everyone wears a life jacket and helmet, and the boat is steered by a guide who directs the paddling the whole time.

What makes the difference in safety is not only the river, but how the operator works: a trained team, equipment in good condition, clear rules and a plan to act if something unexpected happens.

What we do for your safety

• Instructions before getting into the water: every group gets a safety briefing and learns the paddling commands and what to do if they fall into the river.
• Complete equipment: life jacket, helmet and paddle for every participant.
• Experienced guides: each boat goes down with a guide who knows every stretch of the river.
• Safety kayaker: a professional follows the descent by kayak, ready to give support and also take photos of the adventure.
• Individual insurance: all adventurers are individually insured.
• Activity adjusted to the river level: the route and the extra fun depend on the day's conditions.

Safety Management System in accordance with ABNT NBR ISO 21101

At Brotas Rafting, we keep implemented the Safety Management System in accordance with ABNT NBR ISO 21101, the standard that defines how adventure tourism companies should organize the safety of their activities.

In practice, this means safety doesn't depend on improvisation. Among other points, the standard requires:

• identifying the hazards of each activity and assessing the risks;
• having defined procedures and emergency plans;
• making sure the team is trained and competent for the role;
• informing customers well before the activity;
• recording incidents and continually improving.

See our full Safety Policy .

So, when choosing an adventure tourism operator, it's worth asking how it handles safety. It is a good sign when the company follows ABNT NBR ISO 21101.

Tips to enjoy rafting with peace of mind

• Pay attention to the guide's instructions and follow the commands during the descent.
• Wear shoes that won't come off your feet, such as sneakers or sports sandals.
• Keep your life jacket well adjusted and your helmet buckled at all times.
• Tell the team if you have a health condition or take regular medication.
• Don't bring loose items in the boat. We take the photos for you!

Which rafting should I choose?

Want excitement? Rafting in Brotas has about 8 km, 32 rapids and 14 drops. Going with children or seniors, or want something calmer? Mini Rafting takes place on a stretch with no drops, and on Pet Rafting you can even bring your dog. For a different experience, check out Night Rafting.

Any questions about safety? Talk to us on WhatsApp (opens in a new tab).

About the author: Daniel Madureira is an Engineer with postgraduate degrees in Safety, Tourism Studies, Artificial Intelligence and the Environment, and an ABNT Consultant and Auditor. He works with Safety Management Systems in adventure tourism in accordance with ABNT NBR ISO 21101.