How to Tube Safely in the Smoky Mountains

I can't think of a better way to cool off in the heat of the summer in the Smoky Mountains' than to float down a mountain stream on a tube. Bring a tube from home or shell out a few bucks for a tube and shuttle service from one of the many tube shuttle services in Townsend. While tubing is a lot of fun , first time tubers can do a few things to be safe and comfortable while floating down the river. 1. Dress appropriately. Many tubers wear swim suits, but cut-off shorts and tees are fine. Don't wear baggy clothes that might get caught on tree branches or rocks along the way. 2. Wear shoes. An old pair of sneakers or water shoes work best. Foot protection is needed getting down the bank to the river, over the rocks were the water level is low and getting out of the water and up the bank at the end of the float. 3. Apply waterproof sun screen and lots of it. The mountain streams and rivers run cold and many people make the mistake of feeling safe from the sun. Unfortunately they go home with sunburn instead of a pleasant tubing memory. 4. Tube in the center of the stream when possible. Remember along the banks and under fallen logs are homes to many creatures including snakes, turtles and crayfish. Most creatures will run the other way, but no one wants to step on a turtle or disturb a nest of snakes. 5. Children under the age of 13 are required to wear a life vest. Life vest are included free of charge at most tube rental locations. Otherwise bring your own. 6. Select the right size tube. Mommy tubes are available for small children. They are tube like floats without the center hole, so there is no danger of the child slipping through. Tubes for older children and adults come in small, medium and large. Don't put a 350 pound person in a tube designed to hold 120 pounds. 7. Each and every tubing experience is different. The water is colder in the early spring. The depth of the water depends upon the amount of rain received each season. Immediately following a rain the water is deeper and running faster and can be dangerous. Take this into consideration when tubing with children. Tubing may not be for everyone, but if you love adventure and the great outdoors tubing just might become your favorite activity in the Great Smoky Mountains.