With three deaths in the local Arkansas River recently, fears of participating in the upcoming Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival are likely for some people.

Co-chairman Kyle Horne said while a respect for the running water is necessary, he and his group take extra care to ensure safety is the main focus.

Fremont County Search and Rescue will be helping make sure people stay safe, Horne said, and throw baggers will be on the side of the river in case anyone does fall in.

“Accidents happen when you’re in moving water, you need to respect that,” Horne said. “… We’re not going to put someone in the river that we don’t think can handle it.”

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area manages the Cañon City stretch of the river. Will Colon, owner of Raft Masters who also plays a big role in the planning of the RGWF, said the AHRA tells the RGWF where the best places are to have rescue help.

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