Important Things to Know Before River Tracing The Sports Administration reiterates important safety matters for river tracing
To ensure the safety of river tracing activities and protect consumer rights, the Sports Administration (SA), in line with the Executive Yuan’s consumer protection policies, on February 10, 2025 requested local governments to guide river tracing operators and related personnel in their jurisdiction to strictly follow the “Guidelines for Conducting River Tracing Activities.” The SA has also drafted an inspection and guidance plan for 2025.
River tracing, or canyoning, is a multi-disciplinary outdoor activity that involves moving along rivers, streams, and nearby terrain, requiring technical climbing or rappelling depending on the terrain. It offers a unique opportunity to experience Taiwan’s beautiful canyons and cold streams, making it a popular activity for outdoor enthusiasts in the heat of summer.
However, due to factors such as environmental conditions, misjudgment of weather, improper or insufficient equipment, unfamiliarity with terrain, or carelessness, river tracing can result in accidents or unfortunate incidents. To mitigate these risks, the SA requires local governments to inspect and guide canyoning operators each year. Before conducting any activities, operators must submit detailed plans to local authorities for filing, ensure an adequate number of qualified guides or safety personnel, use certified safety equipment, establish complete emergency response plans, and purchase sufficient public liability insurance. The aim is to help everyone enjoy river tracing safely.
The SA urges the public to take proper safety precautions before participating in river tracing activities. Choose licensed operators—ensure they are properly registered, provide insurance, and have qualified guides. You may also ask to see proof that the activity has been filed with local authorities. Always check the weather forecast before departure, and confirm that all necessary gear—helmets, river tracing shoes, and life vests—is prepared and worn. Review safety techniques and assess water conditions before entering. During the activity, never go off alone, and stay alert to your physical condition, water flow, terrain, and weather. If you notice signs of danger, such as dark clouds upstream, muddy water, thunder, or sudden heavy rain, stop the activity immediately and follow your guide’s instructions to evacuate to a safe location to avoid unfortunate events occurring.
In addition to the public liability insurance provided by organizers, participants are encouraged to consider buying personal accident insurance for further protection. Participants are reminded to respect the environment by not littering or discarding food waste during river tracing activities, contributing to the sustainable development of the ecological environment.
The SA announced that the Ministry of Sports will be officially established in September 2025, marking a new era for Taiwan’s sports policy. The vision is to strengthen Taiwan through sports and build a sporting nation that values sports equity, social inclusion, and sustainable development, making sports more accessible, industrialized, and internationalized; promoting active lifestyles, making sport part of communities and daily life, nurturing people’s love for sports so more people engage in regular exercise; and providing firm support for competitive athletes to develop the best competitive sports conditions. Expanding sports participation and consumption will drive the sports economy and promote sports industry growth. Through hosting Taiwan-brand international sports events, nurturing global talent, and developing sports diplomacy networks, the aim is to raise our global profile and influence, using sports diplomacy to make Taiwan stronger.
