Because river access points and camping platforms along the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail are not regularly sanitized after each use, we have provided a list of best practices to stay safe from COVID-19 while using the water trail. THANK YOU for following these guidelines and helping us keep you, your fellow water trail users and our staff and volunteers safe until conditions improve.
When visiting the water and camping platforms it is recommended that you:
- Stay at home if you are exhibiting symptoms or feeling ill.
- Time your trip wisely and avoid popular locations. Go somewhere with minimal crowding. School and work schedules have changed for many people so there may be more folks using waterways and access points than usual.
- Keep groups small. It is safer to paddle with a friend in case of emergency, but each person increases risk of transmission of viruses. We recommend paddling in a safe place you know well, letting others know where you’re going and when, and keep your paddler group as small as possible.
- Maintain a social distance of 6 feet from people outside of your household and reduce time spent in close proximity to others. Wear a face covering if you think you will have to interact with others. If launches or platforms seem crowded when you arrive, come back another time.
- Wash or sanitize your hands before, during, and after you visit launch areas and camping platforms. Try to touch as few surfaces as possible. If a difficult launch makes you want to hold a railing or touch a common surface, consider other launches, or be prepared to sanitize your hands immediately after use.
- Avoid sharing food or drinks, or any gear like boating, camping, and fishing equipment. Bring your own gear, hand washing supplies and towel. Keep soap, a bucket, and clean water with the rest of your stuff so you can wash your hands before and after activities. Hand sanitizer is another good option.
- Be extra precautious to avoid injury so as not to draw emergency personnel away from COVID-19 response efforts, and to avoid being exposed to medical staff that have high exposure risk themselves. Don’t be distracted from following standard safety precautions. Take your time and follow normal protocols like creating a trip plan and sharing it with others, checking weather and water conditions before leaving, and wearing a life jacket or personal flotation device.
- Pack out your trash! It is important to leave nothing behind. Keep in mind that you may produce more trash than usual depending on your method of sanitizing things, so plan accordingly.
Adapted from:
https://www.ncparks.gov/find-an-activity/camping
https://huronriverwatertrail.org/paddling-safely-during-covid-19/