Before You Leave the Dock

Safety Checkout Required Every guest must complete a safety checkout before departing, regardless of prior experience or previous visits. This is a brief walkthrough of motor operation, safety equipment, and river conditions for the day. It typically takes about 10 minutes and is required without exception.

Departure Times John boats may leave the dock no earlier than 7:30 AM and never before sunrise. Please plan accordingly, especially earlier in the season when sunrise comes later.

Fog Policy For your safety, no boats, canoes, or kayaks may depart until the tree line on the far bank is clearly visible. We reserve the right to hold departures until conditions are safe.

Rental Duration

A full-day rental is four hours or more from the time you depart. A half-day rental is up to four hours. Half-day rentals can typically begin at any point during the day, though we reserve the right to designate AM or PM windows based on availability and demand.

Return Policy

All boats, canoes, and kayaks must be back at the dock one hour before sunset or by 5:00 PM, whichever comes first. Late returns are charged at $10 per 10 minutes.

Exceptions for overnight guests may be considered on a case-by-case basis but must be approved in advance. Please ask at the front desk before your departure if you'd like to request an extended return window.

Age & Licensing Requirements

Boat operators must be a minimum of 21 years of age and hold a valid, state-issued driver's license. If your home state requires a boater's safety card, you must have it in your possession before we can release a boat.

Capacity

We take weight limits seriously on the White River. Capacities are enforced for your safety, and we reserve the right to make final determinations.

Damage Responsibility

Guests are fully responsible for any damage to or loss of Ember Shoals equipment, including boats, motors, props, canoes, and kayaks. By completing your rental agreement, you authorize Ember Shoals to assess and charge for any damages, whether identified before or after your departure.

A Visa or Mastercard with a minimum of $3,000 available credit is required for all boat dock rentals. We strongly encourage you to review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy before renting, as not all personal policies cover watercraft damage.

For reference, the minimum charge for a sunken john boat is $3,000. A non-recovered john boat and motor will typically exceed $7,500.

Safety on the Water

The White River is a beautiful river, and it deserves your full attention. A few things every guest should know before heading out:

• Wear your life vest. We provide Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices. Life vests are mandatory for children 13 and under and strongly recommended for all guests.

• Keep passengers seated whenever the boat is in motion.

• No quick turns. The current and flow below the dam can change quickly, and sharp turns can compromise boat stability.

• Stay clear of docks, logs, and other obstructions at all times. Never position your boat on the upstream side of a dock structure.

• Drag chains are not permitted under any circumstances. If you bring your own, it stays on the dock.

• Do not anchor in the channel in low water conditions. Other boats need the channel to navigate safely.

• Never leave a boat, canoe, or kayak unattended on the riverbank.

• Shuttle service is not available for Ember Shoals john boats.

If you experience motor trouble on the water, use your paddle to move to the middle of the river and hold up your throw cushion to signal for assistance. Stay away from obstructions and avoid paddling to shore unless you are certain the path is clear of hazards.

River Conditions

The White River is a tailwater fishery controlled by releases from Bull Shoals Dam, which means water levels and current speed can change without warning. Our dock staff will brief you on current conditions during your safety checkout and will advise you on safe operating ranges for the day.

Low Water (1 generator or fewer): Do not travel upriver past the point where the log across from the dock is covered. Downriver, the Rainbow Arch Bridge, approximately three miles from the dock, is the recommended limit. Travel slowly and stay in the channel at all times.

High Water (2 or more generators): Drift fishing in high water should be done with the nose of the boat pointed upstream. Keep the motor running at all times to maintain control. The operator must continuously monitor for obstructions, other vessels, and changing current.

When navigating the fast-water chute across from Hurst, always approach through the middle, pointing straight into the V of the current, both upriver and down.

Your Own Equipment

Guests are welcome to bring their own boats and motors. Ember Shoals does not charge a ramp access fee, but use of the ramp is entirely at your own risk. By using our facilities, you agree to hold Ember Shoals Resort, its management, employees, and agents harmless for any bodily injury, property loss, or damages arising from those activities.

Booking Agreement

By completing a boat rental reservation with Ember Shoals, you confirm that you have read and agree to the policies outlined above. You understand your responsibility for any damages to resort equipment and authorize Ember Shoals to assess and charge for those damages as applicable.

Questions? Call us at 870-425-3333 or stop by the front desk. We're happy to walk through anything before you head out.

Prices and policies are subject to change. Last updated May 27, 2026.