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BUENA VISTA, COLO. -- Three men died along the Arkansas River in one week, but the accidents aren't stopping rafters from jumping in in numbers.

On Tuesday two Denver area men died while rafting along an advanced portion of the Arkansas that is currently closed.

On Wednesday, a 49-year-old man from Texas died during a commercial trip after his raft capsized.

A trip into the rapids is always unpredictable.

"People need to understand it is an outdoor activity.  There are inherent risks and they need to do their best to be prepared," said Kevin Meadows, owner of River Runners.

Meadows said one of the biggest mistakes he sees people make are "people getting into sections they are unfamiliar with or possibility going on trips a little out of their ability."

That's why Meadows suggests avoiding private trips for that reason.

Guides with commercial companies log hundreds of hours on the Arkansas and have emergency training.

"They did a lot of explaining and they made it low key and comfortable," said Lindsay Henderson, a first-time rafter.

One safety tip that surprises new rafters is that it's better to keep paddling. It's when you stop that you're more likely to fall out.

Following safety tips like that keeps the majority of the nearly 250,000 who ride the river each year safe.

And the low number of incidents is what keeps first-timers getting their feet wet despite the recent deaths.

"Those people who died took their own personal risk doing rapids they weren't supposed to go on," said rafter James Foos. "People die doing things all the time. It's part of the thrill."

"Some people do fall out and go for a swim and it's unfortunate it ended the way it did," Meadows said.

For those who do choose to take a private trip down the Arkansas River, Meadows did say they can always stop in and talk with a guide beforehand.

Meadows said River Runners is more than happy to give rafters a few pointers and discuss river conditions.