Rules, Safety, What to Expect

Cool River specific rules for guests are:

Every adult and child need a waiver before getting wristbands.
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a waiver for you
Children must be 2 years old to tube. We do not allow any children under, even if they ride on the lap of an adult.
Children under 13 must take a life-jacket.
- If adult participants choose not to use a life-jacket or if they choose to use their own personal life-jacket (must be Coast Guard approved), they do so at their own risk
Strap no more than two tubes together.
Picnic areas are for paying customers only. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To get the group rate, a party must pay together in one payment. If you have a group of 20 or more, you need a booking on Fareharbor and to have waivers filled out in advance. If you do not want to pay in advance for your group, you can call to make a group booking and we will send you a FareHarbor confirmation link for your group’s waivers.
No smoking or vaping on buses.

WAIVER INFORMATION:

digital wAIVER must fill out before getting wristbands. If you purchase your tickets online or request a group reservation, follow the waiver link in your confirmation email, so your waivers are tied to your booking.

If you need to bring physical copies instead, DOWNLOAD OUR WAIVER and have them filled out by a parent or guardian.

what to expect:

River tubing on the Chattahoochee through Helen is neither white water rafting nor floating in a man-made “lazy river” like one might find at a water park.. Although anyone is welcome, renting a tube and shooting the ‘Hooch is an active, recreational activity outdoors, in nature, and on a natural stretch of river. There are a few things to consider when planning to Shoot the Hooch’:

THINGS YOU MIGHT NEED TO DO:

Get out of a tube on slippery rocks. You may also encounter fish hooks, sharp glass, or other sharp or dangerous objects in the riverbed. Shoes are recommended and must have backs or heel straps, i.e., they should not be “sliders.”
Get back on your tube if it flips
Push off of rocks or banks. This is a natural river, and there are many places your tube can and will get stuck. A push stick will make your float easier and help you to not get out of your tube as much.
Navigate the tube to the best river passage or to the stronger current
Swim. Most of the water is ankle to knee deep. However there are some spots/swimming holes that are deep, and over your head. We recommend wearing a lifejacket, particularly if you are a weak swimmer. We require a life jacket for anyone under the age of 12. So if you think you need a lifejacket, grab one! They are included with every ticket.

RECOMMENDED RENTER CHARACTERISTICS AND ABILITIES:

Our recommended weight limit is 250 lbs per tube

RENTER SHOULD:

Be in reasonably good health and fitness and have the ability to endure a moderate workout (depending on water levels).
Be able to breathe independently without any assistance from medical devices.
Be able to keep your airway passages sealed and hold your breath while under water.
Be able to push off rocks with arms and legs and to grip and use a push stick when needed.
Be able to control and coordinate arms, legs, or posture (i.e., muscular control).
Be able to get out of your tube and navigate through the water if needed
Be able to see, discern, and safely navigate around rocks and obstacles in the river.
Be able to safely navigate shoreline terrain on foot including slippery rocks, trees, low branches, and other vegetation; and slippery, uneven, steep, sandy, rocky, or muddy surfaces.

CONSIDERATIONS:

We do not recommend tubing for those who require a medical device that cannot get wet.
We do not recommend tubing for those with a heart condition, back or spinal injuries, neck injuries, or a pacemaker.
We strongly recommend for those who may have any difficulty with the required actions while tubing that they strap their tube to the tube of a buddy in their party who can assist them on their trip.
We strongly recommend that each child’s tube is strapped to an adult for the entire duration of the float. Because only two tubes should be strapped together at a time, there should be one adult with each child in the party.
We do not recommend tubing while pregnant, as your tube can flip and there are slippery rocks which may cause falls.
If you require life-saving medications such as albuterol or epinephrine, we recommend that you carry these medications with you. We can provide a waterproof pouch for those with a prescription for such medications.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol heightens the risks of injury while tubing and is not recommended.

RIVER CONDITIONS:

We have a short river ride (1hr) and a long river ride (2hr) available for you to choose from, they are the same price and you will choose this when you are checking out and getting your wristband. The ride times can vary depending on water levels. In the beginning of our season, the river is typically pretty high and flowing well, this makes for a great float on either trip. Towards the end of our season, the river can become low and pretty difficult to navigate and is oftentimes very shallow. This is not an easy float and can be quite the workout. When the river is low, the shorter ride is often the better choice because it is the only ride that does not require walking. The water also can get too high for us to open once or twice per summer after a heavy, overnight rain. We close at 1.5 ft on the river gage.

WEATHER CONDITIONS:

Although we are never positive what the weather will be, we recommend that you check the weather for Helen, GA before planning your visit and to avoid any unwanted storms. However, pop up summer storms are common. If you are on the river and it begins to storm, you should exit the river and make your way to the closest road to meet one of Cool River’s buses — or take shelter if the storm is severe. If any storm pops up, our buses quickly begin circulating to pick people up on all the roads closest to the river. However, there is no guarantee that you will not be caught in a storm.

The following rules are enforced by the City of Helen:

It is unlawful for any person to use or possess any cooler or drink container, either in or upon the Chattahoochee River within city limits. (cups, bottles, cans, etc.)*
No glass allowed.
No littering — pack out all trash.
No coolers.
Respect other river users. (fisherman, kayakers, waders, etc.)
Respect private property.
No nudity.
No alcohol.
Avoid standing or walking on the river bank or river bed.

The Helen P.D. does patrol the river. If you are seen breaking any of these rules, especially littering or taking a cooler, you will be fined.

*Each tuber may take one 32 oz. drink container with them. We don't want anyone to dehydrate, but please don't litter*

WE RECOMMEND YOU...

TAKE A PUSH STICK
A push stick helps you keep off rocks and away from the banks. We sell push sticks for $5. You're welcome to bring your own, but people often like that ours double as souvenirs.

WEAR SHOES
There can be fish-hooks, sharp rocks, and glass in the river bed. Shoes with backs are best; flip-flops are not allowed because they tend to wander away. We sell water shoes for $13.

DON'T TAKE KEYS OR VALUABLES ON THE RIVER
You will get wet and things are extremely easy to lose in the river. You can either lock your things in your car and leave your ID and keys with us (a free service) or you can rent a locker for $3.

HELP US KEEP THE RIVER CLEAN - BRING YOUR BOTTLE!

Each tuber may take one 32 oz. drink container with them. Please do not litter!

THE LAST POINT IS IMPORTANT: OUTDOOR RECREATORS PLAY A ROLE IN PROTECTING AND ADVOCATING FOR CLEAN WATER

Every week of every summer, Cool River staff gathers trash from Helen's strip of river and its banks. Trash is left by picnickers, campers, fishermen, and kayakers. To our dismay, some tubers still leave trash. Please don't be a part of this problem! Don't bring disposables to the river.