The following are water access rules. The link will take you to the National Weather Service and will give you the river level at Westham.
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=akq&gage=rmdv2
5ft. Users must have a lifejacket to get in water.
9ft. Users must have lifejacket and river use permit. You can get the
permit at the Fire house located at Broad and 24th street.
12ft. Is flood stage. Only very experienced users should be on the
river at this level and above with proper safety gear and a buddy.
Nathan Burrell
James River Park Superintendent
City of Richmond,Va