The city of Columbus is tightening the rules for people out on the Chattahoochee River near the city.

Starting this week the city is requiring life vests for anyone on the river between the North Highlands Dam and the Columbus Trade Center.

The law affects people on any kind of boat and swimmers.

The city law is a change from what river users are accustomed to. Georgia law requires wearing flotation devices only for those using jet-skis or other "personal watercraft" and for children age 10 or younger on a moving boat.

The city is constructing a whitewater rafting course, and officials say they're concerned people will try to use it without flotation equipment.

Tags: Columbus, Chattahoochee River, whitewater, whitewater rafting course, life vest