I do not know where in the world I got the idea that you would use one of these things in a big river. Now that I think about it, it really does not seem like a very good idea. I guess I just thought people got out there and threw and anchor down, or just floated along (although it seems like you could get a pretty awesome dead drift if you were a part of the drift!). Anyway thanks for the heads up on the regulations, and from stopping me from strapping this thing on and jumping in the Potomac. Rick I have a feeling that I would have found out just like you did. I will have to look into some areas around here...