If you're going down the river, experts say one of the best things you can do is be on the lookout for signs, such as those that warn of construction. But something that comes as a close second is being aware of the water you are on, which means looking out for complications like log jams.Raccoon River Excursions specializes in river tubing trips in which groups of people float down the river."Big groups who are tied together, you end up running into things like that because you can't paddle out of the way," said Buck Pratt of Raccoon River Excursions.Before drifting down the river, Pratt makes sure to let clients know what to expect. He's run Raccoon River Excursions for 15 years, seeing hundreds of clients a weekend, but lately he's noticed his clients are more apprehensive about going on the river."With the couple of drownings here recently, it's making a lot of people nervous," Pratt said.On July 3, police say Ricco Morrow went under the water after attempting to help two teenagers struggling in the Raccoon River and didn't resurface.Pratt has since switched the river tubing to a different part of the river.Safety is Pratt's priority, and it goes beyond reminding his clients to bring plenty of liquids. Pratt says people need to be careful about tying rafts together. "You got a circle of tubes over here on one side, you can only paddle with one hand here on the other side. You're not gonna move that group of 5 people out of the way of a tree that's sticking out of the water," Pratt said.When the river is lower, usually around August, Pratt will allow clients as young as 12. For the rest of the season, Pratt's policy is that his clients be 14 and up. Because the higher the river level, the more dangerous it can be for children.The Iowa DNR's Todd Robertson says no matter what raft you're on, it's best to have a life jacket on, especially if you have to get in the water."You're going up against a force of nature that you need to really get along with," Robertson said. "You're walking along an ankle-deep water one minute, your next step you may be in a six-foot hole."This is why no matter how experienced people are, it's important for them to do their homework before going down a river. You can find more information on the Iowa DNR Interactive Paddling Map here.