River Boating & Safety Information
Regulations
A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube must wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket at all times while on the upper Potomac River and its tributaries, between November 15 and the following May 15. This regulation is in addition to class III, IV, V, and VI White Water Stream segment regulations, which require life jackets to be worn at all times.
Class III rapids (hazardous)
Dam #3 to Knoxville Falls.
Class IV rapids (significant hazard to life)
Great Falls (foot of falls) to Chain Bridge.
Class VI rapids (extreme risk to life)
Great Falls area from the base of the aqueduct dam to a line from the foot of the main falls on the Virginia shoreline to the Maryland shoreline below Olmstead Island.
Safety Tips
ALWAYS wear an approved life jacket while on the Potomac. Leave a float plan with someone at home describing where you are going, who you’re with and when you expect to return. Know the weather predictions for the area. REMEMBER the river currents are strong and unpredictable, especially after heavy rains. Wading should NOT be attempted when the river levels exceed the normal level.
River Flow Information
- Conowingo Dam spill hotline—877-457-2525.
- For projected releases at Jennings Randolph Lake (North Branch Potomac) and Savage River Dam, call 410-962-7687 or visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water control page.
- Potomac River flow at Hagerstown—301-223-6377.
- Susquehanna riverflow at Conowingo—888-457-4076.
- U.S. Geological Survey flow information for all Maryland waters is available on the USGS Maryland water data website.
- For the Youghiogheny River whitewater release schedule, call 315-413-2823 or visit the Deep Creek Hydro release schedule website.
- Current conditions and updates for the C&O Canal are available on the C&O Canal National Historical Park conditions page.
View designated boating speed zones using the Maryland boating speed zones map.
