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Park rules & Safety

  • For non-emergencies call (804) 646-5100, for emergencies call 911

The James River Park System is a free and public park available to anyone living in or visiting Richmond. We ask that you observe these rules in order to protect the Park and each other. If you see something of concern in the Park (graffiti, large amounts of trash, trees down across main trails, fires of any sort, unruly behavior, etc.) please use the non-emergency number above.

park rules

  • Open daily from dawn to dusk
  • Lifejackets must be worn when the River is at or above 5 feet
  • Boaters must have lifejackets
  • A high-water permit is required for river levels over 9 feet
  • Alcohol is not permitted
  • Fires, grills, and camping are prohibited
  • Dogs must be leashed
  • Leave No Trace
  • Park in designated areas

Safety Tips

  • Wear a lifejacket on the River
  • Don't swim or boat alone
  • The River bottom is uneven, and even dangerous when the level is low
  • If caught in a current, float feet-first until you can safely swim out
  • Wear close-toed shoes in the water
  • Do not boat or swim near or over dams
  • Do not leave valuables in your car
  • Avoid Poison Ivy - Leaves of 3, let them be
  • Call 911 for emergencies, report the closest trail marker

TRail Rules

  • Obey trail closures
  • Leave No Trace
  • Stay on designated trails
  • Yield: bikes to pedestrians, descenders to climbers
  • Pay Attention and alert others to your presence
  • Don't bike on hiking trails
  • Avoid scaring animals
  • No motorized vehicles
  • No tampering with trails
  • Be safe/Be sensible. Know your equipment and ability

River Safety

Heading out for a float or paddle on the James? Run through this checklist before you go to ensure conditions are safe!

  • If the water is above 5ft you MUST wear a personal flotation device/life jacket on the river.
  • Avoid going out in windy and stormy conditions.
  • Know where your put-in and take-out points are located.
  • Wear a personal flotation device.
  • Never boat or swim alone.
  • Never stand up in a moving current.
  • Avoid boating/swimming near or over dams.
  • Avoid strainers - debris or obstacles in the water.
  • Avoid undercut rocks and riverbanks.
  • Avoid tethers that can snag.
  • Wear close-toed shoes.
  • If caught in a current, float feet-first until you're safe.
  • Boat/float/swim with experienced river users.
  • The James River is a wild river, and stronger than it looks.
  • Always respect the power of the James and its currents.
  • Leave No Trace.
Learn More

GPS Tags

While you’re in the Park look for the red and brown location tags. These tags provide GPS information to emergency services and are the fastest way for responders to find your location should you call for assistance.

They also help police find the source of a non-emergency concern should you see and want to report something out of the ordinary in the Park.

 

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Friends of the James River Park is a private, not-for-profit organization, and is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal EIN (tax ID) number 26-3587880.

Contact the Friends

Friends of the James River Park
P.O. Box 4453
Richmond, VA 23220
friends@jamesriverpark.org

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To report an emergency please call 911 immediately. Please use this form to report an issue in the Park such as maintenance or trail issues. Thank you.

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