Whitewater rafting in Finland follows the safety guidelines issued by the Finnish Canoeing and Whitewater Rafting Entrepreneurs Association, as well as instructions from authorities and current legislation. The guidelines take into account the specific characteristics of whitewater rafting related to consumer safety.
The guidelines apply to whitewater rafts that are used with a crew for rafting activities in commercial operations, organizational activities, or other organized use, as well as to activities conducted with such rafts. Whitewater rafting competitions follow the rules and safety requirements of the international rafting federation.
The most recent whitewater rafting safety guidelines were introduced in spring 2020. The guidelines are supplemented or amended as necessary. Legislation governing program service activities is based on the Consumer Services Act, which replaced the Consumer Safety Act in spring 2025. The whitewater rafting safety guidelines will be updated to meet the requirements of the new legislation.
You can ознакомиться yourself with the Whitewater Rafting Safety Guidelines 2020 here:
SuMeKo ry is actively involved in paddling safety work. The association also participated in the drafting of the Paddling Safety Guidelines 2024.
The paddling safety guidelines apply to paddling activities carried out within organizations, for commercial purposes, or otherwise in an organized manner. The guidelines are also recommended, where applicable, for individual paddlers engaging in self-directed activities.
The guidelines cover watercraft rental services, including remote rentals (so-called unattended or “cold” rental points), paddling trips, training, program services, and other comparable activities. In these guidelines, a paddled watercraft refers to a kayak, open canoe, SUP board, packraft, or other similar paddle-powered watercraft, excluding wide multi-person inflatable rafts designed for whitewater rafting and experiential program services.
You can ознакомиться yourself with the Paddling Safety Guidelines 2024 on the website of the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation.
The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) supervises the safety of program services. Through Tukes’ website, you can report a dangerous or defective product or service, as well as accidents or near-miss incidents.