Sunriver has opened and we have been seeing many people wearing masks and social distancing, which is great! Last week, it was announced that SHARC would be reopening on Thursday, June 25, which many of our guests are excited about. In addition to the aquatic center, many locals and visitors also enjoy spending their time floating the Deschutes River in Sunriver. In the past, we wrote a blog all about how you can do this float on your own and this summer we’re sharing our tips for doing so while socially distancing.

Tips for Floating the Deschutes River in Sunriver While Social Distancing

As the weather gets warmer, people will begin to flock to rivers and lakes throughout Central Oregon to cool off and enjoy the sunshine. We’re looking forward to welcoming you to Sunriver and wanted to share some tips for maintaining social distancing while floating the Deschutes River.

1. Consider Wearing a Mask at Put-in and Get-out Points — Whenever you’re in a public space or crowd, consider wearing a cloth or paper mask in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The river provides ample space for you to spread out, but the spots where you get in and out of the river may become a bottleneck with people. In an effort to follow CDC guidelines and protect the health and safety of our community, please wear a mask in crowded areas.
2. Limit the Number of People in Your Group — While Phase 2 guidelines allow for gatherings of more than 10 people, limiting the number of people in your group helps with social distancing.
3. 6-Feet of Space — Social distancing on the river is the same as social distancing on land. Maintain six feet of space between you and other floaters on the river this summer. Floating the river in Sunriver is a great way to spend time with friends and family while maintaining at least six feet of space on the water.
4. Wash Your Hands and Use Hand Sanitizer — Limit personal contact with people outside of your group and use hand sanitizer before and after your float. When you return back to your vacation rental in Sunriver, be sure to wash your hands and continue to do so frequently.

Rentals and River Shuttles

Several different companies in Sunriver offer float, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals for you to use on the river this summer. Sunriver Toy House has a huge selection of floatation devices including huge “relaxation stations” and floating coolers. Sun Country Tours also offers standup paddleboard rentals in Sunriver. Contact each company individually for more information about their COVID-19 sanitizing efforts. Consider bringing sanitizing wipes to cleanse your floatation device before use.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, there are currently no river shuttles running for the public in Sunriver. For guests who have floated the river in Bend, the Ride the River shuttle also will not be operating in 2020. If you would like to float the river in Sunriver, be sure to have a car parked at the beginning and end of the route in order to transport your group and your floats.

Float the Deschutes River in Sunriver This Summer

While floating the Deschutes River in Sunriver this summer may look a little different than in years past, it can still be done while following social distancing guidelines. We look forward to spending time on the water this summer and we know you will have a great time floating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Sunriver on the Deschutes River.

Is floating the river not your speed? SHARC has announced they will open on Thursday, June 25 with limited capacity. Read our blog for more information as you plan your time on the water in Sunriver this summer!