Taking your phone on a float trip is a high-value "calculated risk" that requires premier preparation. If you want to capture high-quality photos and maintain a "safety line," you must use a high-quality waterproof pouch or a "floating dry bag." A "pro-tip" for 2026 is to choose a pouch that allows you to operate the touchscreen through the plastic. However, the high-intensity reality of river travel—with its hidden rocks, rapids, and "drunk-prone" environments—means that thousands of phones are lost to "the river gods" every year. If you take your phone, ensure it is tethered to your person or the vessel so it doesn't sink if you tip over. For the ultimate "low-stress" experience, consider leaving your primary phone in a locked car and using a high-value, rugged "action camera" or an old "backup" phone for photos, allowing you to enjoy the premier serenity of the water without the constant fear of a $1,000 "water damage" accident.