In 2020, a tragic drowning occurred in the Rappahannock River. This horrible passing has led many in the Fredericksburg community to take action in letting the public know about the precautions that should be taken when adventuring in the Rappahannock. Respect the Rapp, a program spearheaded by River Rock Outfitter Co-Owner April Peterson, is a partnership between seven local organizations to educate the public on river safety.
According to Peterson, the busiest time on the river is from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Respect the Rapp is an initiative devoted to talking to people about how to be safe while kayaking, paddleboarding, or any other river activities. The primary rule for safety is simple: wear a lifevest, and wear it correctly.
“No one has ever on record drowned on the Rappahannock who was in a lifevest,” Peterson said. “Our biggest message: just wear it.”
Peterson said that while part of the Fredericksburg section of the Rappahannock is calm and perfect for easy paddling, just up the river is more complicated, with more rapids and rocks. She emphasized that it is essential to “Know before you go” the water levels, temperature, weather, hazards, and difficulty level. Peterson also stressed the importance of letting someone know that you will be on the river, which many already do when hiking.
The partnership for Respect the Rapp is between River Rock Outfitter, Stafford Fire and Rescue (Water Rescue Team), Stafford County Parks, Recreation, and Utilities, Fredericksburg Police Department, Friends of the Rappahannock, ACA Paddlesports, and Fredericksburg Main Street. Respect the Rapp’s goal to ensure safety on the river, and the participation of these seven organizations, is a noble and essential effort to maintain the well-being of the Fredericksburg community. It is important to keep in mind the precautions that Respect the Rapp detail, and should you plan to spend some time on the Rappahannock this summer, please consider reviewing the resources provided by this ongoing campaign – which can be found online.
Learn more about Respect the Rapp on Facebook. Read more about water safety precautions.
Updated 6/25/2025