Salt River Tubing and Recreation will be open 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. seven days a week, weather and water flow conditions permitting, beginning Saturday, May 1, with safety protocols in place.

“SRTR will strive to do its best to help ensure a responsible ‘safe distancing’ atmosphere at the SRTR terminal building and on its shuttle buses during transport of tubers to the Salt River,” according to a release. “A face mask must be worn during the tube rental transaction process, shuttle bus transport to/from the Salt River as well as during the tube return process at the end of the floater’s visit.”

The cost is $19 plus tax per person or tube, which includes tube rental, shuttle bus ride and free customer parking at Salt River Tubing.

Salt River Tubing operates under permit of the USDA Forest Service in Tonto National Forest, seven minutes from Loop 202 East on north Power Road.

Salt River Tubing’s safety protocols include the following:

• SRTR will require its employees to wear face masks and gloves. Daily temperature checks will be administered to employees.
• Passenger transport on SRTR shuttle buses have been downsized to transport 20 persons per bus.
• Shuttle buses will be disinfected nightly — every 24 hours — with disinfectant solutions.
• SRTR has implemented a plan to permit safe distancing between guests awaiting the tube rental transaction process.
• Family and/or friends who have traveled together in vehicles to SRTR may choose not to safe distance themselves since they chose to travel together with said precautions. Maximum group size is 10 persons.
• Safety protocol signage will be posted at the terminal building and bus stops No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4.

“Salt River Tubing’s floating beach blast has become an Arizona tradition that millions of floaters have enjoyed for over 40 years. Relax and float on the cool and refreshing, mountain-stream waters and experience the natural wonders of the ‘mini-Grand Canyon’ of Tonto National Forest,” the release states. “Enjoy the beauty of this recreational paradise and catch a glimpse of the wild horses crossing mid-stream, blue herons gliding across the water and the majestic mountains as you float by. It’s the perfect venue for creating a memorable, enjoyable adventure in the great outdoors.”

Salt River Tubing accepts cash and credit cards — Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Credit card transactions require a valid driver’s license for credit card identification.

For more information about Salt River Tubing and opening day, go to www.saltrivertubing.com or call 480-984-3305.