Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating adventure and an excellent way to have fun. However, you must adhere to certain rules in order to make your trip safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.
If you capsize, stay upright with your feet up high and head facing downstream for the best chance of not being pushed into rocks. This will increase your chance of staying safe.
1. Wear Your Personal Floatation Device
PFDs (personal flotation devices) are essential when water rafting and should always be worn. Not only will these keep you afloat, but they can also prevent drowning and provide assistance in emergency situations.
PFDs come in a range of sizes and styles, so you can find one to suit your rafting needs and style. Some are specifically designed for certain activities like whitewater kayaking or paddleboarding; other PFDs use inflatable technology instead of foam.
When selecting a PFD for recreational swimming, the buoyancy rating should be taken into consideration. Most adults require 7 to 12 pounds of flotation to keep their heads above water; if you’re heavier or weaker in the water, larger-sized PFDs may be ideal.
When selecting a PFD, be sure to try it on first so it fits securely and comfortably without restricting movement. Loosen all straps and buckles before putting it on, then tighten them from the bottom up (this can be done by having someone tug the straps as if pulling you out of the water).
The life jacket should fit your chest snugly without being too restrictive, and be easy to put on and take off without slipping.
Some PFDs come with adjustable shoulder straps that can be tightened or loosened for the perfect fit. Some models even feature a harness adjustability to accommodate different body types and heights.
A life jacket that fits securely can make all the difference in an emergency situation. It may save your life if you suddenly lose consciousness while swimming or accidentally jump into a river to rescue someone else.
2. Stay on the Raft at All Times
To guarantee your safety while on a raft, pay attention to your guide’s instructions. They will tell you what steps to take if you fall out or how to get back in. It is also essential that you heed their advice regarding gripping the raft tightly – if they say both hands should be used – then follow suit!
Rafting is an enjoyable way to unwind and connect with nature. It also serves as an effective form of exercise that benefits all ages and abilities.
Though it can be challenging to get your raft through rapids, it is worth the effort if you want to savor the experience and have an enjoyable journey. Furthermore, it strengthens your arms, back, and shoulders which will help relieve soreness afterward.
No matter your skill level or experience level, white water rafting is an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime. It’s perfect for families and groups of friends alike; however, it may not be clear which level or experience level you should start at before heading out onto the river.
3. Don’t Stand Up in Moving Current
When on a rafting trip, it’s essential to remember that the whitewater can move quickly. To stay safe and avoid becoming submerged by an underwater object such as rocks or logs, keep your feet up.
By keeping your feet up, you can prevent yourself from falling into the water and suffering serious injury. If you do end up falling, hold onto your paddle so others can more easily pull you back into the raft.
Furthermore, not standing up in flowing current can prevent you from falling into a hole that the river current is pushing through – this is known as foot entrapment and it poses a very hazardous situation.
The more people you have in the water, the greater your chances of avoiding an injury. If you do fall in, keep your arms by your sides so someone can reach out and grab you.
By doing this, you will maximize your chances of coming up and out of the water safely. Furthermore, staying calm during an emergency will give you the best chances for survival.
If you find yourself stuck in the fast-moving current, swimming aggressively for shore may help avoid being trapped and may also be useful if there is no eddy or slackwater present.
No matter your age or fitness level, whitewater rafting is an amazing way to spend time outdoors in nature. Studies have linked it with numerous health benefits like decreased heart disease and cancer risk. Furthermore, it allows teammates to bond which can promote positive mental states and boost team performance.
4. Don’t Put Your Feet in the Safety Line
Whitewater rafting can be an exhilarating activity, but it’s essential to remember that it is also an extreme sport. Therefore, take all necessary precautions for your own safety and enjoy your rafting trip to its fullest extent.
One of the most crucial tips when rafting is never to put your feet inside the safety line. Doing so could cause entrapment and lead to serious injury.
Furthermore, placing your feet inside the safety line makes it harder for someone to pull you onto the raft and could potentially flip it over if someone attempts to grab you again!
If you accidentally fall out of the raft, it is best to assume “swimming safety position,” which involves lying on your back with feet up. From here, you can swim at an angle towards the current and push off rocks or other obstacles with ease.
When swimming downstream, it is essential to keep your head above water at all times. Doing this will enable you to watch for obstacles and shoreline hazards that could potentially impede progress.
When out on a whitewater raft or kayak, it’s essential to know how to self-rescue. This is especially useful if you have your life jacket on and are wearing it at all times.
To assist with this, consider wearing a lifejacket and making sure it is correctly fitted. Doing this before heading out on the river should be checked by your guide before you begin paddling.
If you find yourself stranded in the water, it’s ideal to swim to a nearby raft or shore. However, this may not always be possible. In such cases, try grabbing onto something attached to the raft as well as holding onto your paddle; this will extend your reach and enable rescuers to identify you more easily.
