The chair is about 10 feet back from the water, as previously stated, and yes we do have to wear our little orange seatbelt. I think it's for the better, I mean the chair is pretty dang high and if I fell out of it I would most assuredly hurt myself, not to mention that there are some jagged rocks over there. :)
In other words, the seatbelt is cool where it is and I don't think we have to start worrying about whether or not CP is orange-seatbelt-crazy until they install them in the restrooms. :)
And to answer ddogg's question, we sit out there because we are to remind the riders of the safety regulations they are told of in the beginning of the ride and also to make sure they follow those regulations and ensure that everyone in the raft is safe and there are no major raft backups.
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Natalie
Thunder Canyon Ride Operator (transferred)