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/

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.

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.