May 24, 2012
TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Tubing continues on the Little River despite Monday's drowning. The route is one thousands float each summer, and one company tells Volunteer TV there's a way to do it right.
Jessica Eagan and her family their vacation stayed afloat even if her tube got away.
"I had my 10 year old daughter with me and wanted to make sure that if by chance, she fell into the water, that I would also be able to stay afloat and help her get back up on the tube," said Eagan.
And since she says she did fall out once, "I was thankful to have my life jacket."
With as many as 60,000 people tubing the Little River every summer season, River Rage says the first priority is always safety. "Just throw you in the water, there's no telling what might happen to you," said owner Travis Grant.
Grant says his company shows tubers the ropes before they drop them off. They also provides life jackets, insurance and facilities.
"We give them a whole safety speech on tube technique and how to kind of navigate their way down the river, which rapids to avoid and that sort of thing," he said.
To be safe on the water, first be sure to get a tube that's fit to your body. Choose one that is not too small that you're overburdening the tube; not too big you can't control it.
Make sure you have shoes that stay put in case you have to stand in a slippery spot. And don't forget a life jacket.
"Everybody gets a life jacket. It's free of charge, it's included in your price. If you are 13 or under, we make you wear one whether you want to or not," said
"I just kept my life jacket on," said Kassidy Parish. "It's just really fun."
Keep your feet facing forward, and you're likely to have a good time -- just like Eagan. "Lots of good quality family time," said Eagan.
