Respect the Rapp

We’re wrapping up Water Safety Month, but the busy river season is just getting started!

Don’t forget to download the PaddleWays app and select the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg as your local waterway. The app provides real-time data on river height and flow to help you plan a safer trip.

And most importantly—make wearing a life jacket a non-negotiable, every single time you’re on the water. Let’s keep our river adventures safe all season long!

Listen for more: https://www.newstalk1230.net/episode/listen-town-talk-water/

It’s a beautiful weekend to hit the water and these pros are always on the job keeping our river community safe. Let’s return the favor: wear your life jacket, paddle smart, and help everyone get home safe.

85% of boating fatalities could have been prevented by wearing a life jacket and -0- people have drowned on the Rappahannock while wearing a life jacket!

The Rappahannock is beautiful—and powerful. High flows and submerged hazards can catch even experienced paddlers off guard.

The easiest way to protect yourself? Wear a properly fitted vest. Always.

Shout out to the Sheriff’s Department for showing us how it’s done!

Today is National “Wear It” Day – and we’re proud to stand with our city leaders, first responders, and outdoor community to remind you: life jackets save lives.

Whether you’re paddling the Rappahannock or floating your favorite stretch of river, wear your vest, zip it up, and clip it tight.

Let’s make river safety a habit, not a hassle.

Something’s floatin’ your way, Fredericksburg…

TOMORROW is Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day and we’re taking over Instagram to celebrate river safety with some surprise guest appearances 👀

From City Hall to the Visitor Center, our local leaders, first responders, and downtown business owners are suiting up to show their love for the Rappahannock and the importance of always wearing a vest on the water.

Tune in all day tomorrow as we showcase workplaces around town to spotlight the faces behind the vests.

It’s fun, it’s unexpected, and it’s all about keeping our community safe while enjoying this beautiful river we call home.

The rain keeps coming and so does the water!
River levels are high, currents are swift, and conditions can change quickly. It’s the perfect time for a reminder: river safety is always in season.

Before you head out:
📍Download the PaddleWays app to check real-time river conditions.
📍Visit RespectTheRapp.com for safety tips, river maps, and local guidance.
📍 Pay attention to the river gauges and only paddle in the green.
📍And most importantly, always wear a properly fitted life vest — zipped and secure.

Whether you’re paddling, fishing, or just playing near the water, stay alert and respect the power of the river.

Don’t risk it! Wear it!

River levels are LOW, but just a splash of rain can change that in no time! 🌧️✨ We’re thrilled to share our new favorite tool to keep us updated on RIVER LEVELS, RIVER FLOW, and TEMPERATURE. 🌊 Download PaddleWays and stay in the know with our locations:

🦦 Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, VA
🦦 Rapidan River near Culpeper, VA

Stay safe, stay informed, and always ! 💙

Did you know that Downtown Fredericksburg is located on the tidal section of the Rappahannock River?

The tidal waters provide a vital link between the ocean and inland ecosystems, creating a rich tapestry of biodiversity and sustaining unique habitats for countless species. You may see river otters and beavers and will often see turtles, herron, and even Garry the Goose!

Change how you think about tides:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dreHvsvXR9c

What you think you know about tides is all wrong…

Our best swimmers wear a life jacket! Wearing a life jacket ensures everyone goes home safe. It’s the EASIEST thing you can do!

Thank you Fredericksburg Fire Department and Stafford County Fire and Rescue for keeping our busy river safe!

July 4th was a busy day in the City. In addition to our daily staff who respond to 911 calls, personnel staffed the Heritage Festival downtown, and members of the Water Rescue Team stood by at Old Mill Park. Old Mill Park reached parking capacity by 9 a.m., with more than 5000 people enjoying the park and river. The weather was very hot and humid, and thunderstorms came through in the afternoon. Many people took shelter, but some did not exit the river and needed assistance returning to shore. Our Water Rescue Team members rescued 12 people that day, with performing rescues as well. No one rescued was wearing a proper fitting life jacket (PFD). We want you to enjoy all the river has to offer, but we want you to do so safely. Our water rescue personnel are well-trained and familiar with the river, and they still wear their PFDs when operating near or on it. PFDs save lives.

Remember your lifejacket! Have a safe and Happy 4th! 🇺🇸