6 Safety Tips for White Water Rafting
Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating experience but can be very dangerous without the proper skill and knowledge. Knowing where to raft, how to prepare the boat, which hazards to watch out for, and how to handle them if they occur are things every rafter needs to know before hitting the water. The sport of white water rafting used to be only for the hardcore extremists, but the sport is now becoming extremely popular in the mainstream. Before white water rafting, sports enthusiasts should learn five key safety tips.
1. Do Not White Water Raft Alone
Whitewater rafting alone, even for the most advanced rafters, is discouraged. The minimum party recommended is three rafters, or two craft. Having a licensed and experienced guide is the safest way to enjoy white water rafting, no matter the rafter's skill level.
2. Wear Protective Gear
A life jacket helps prevent serious injury by drowning in the event of an accident on the water. Rafters need a well-fitting life jacket during beginning their rafting adventure. The life jacket needs to allow the rafter to breathe, but should not be able to come up over the individual's head.
Wear a Helmet
Rafters often do not realize how important a rafting helmet is during white water rafting, until it is too late. Sharp rocks surround the rough rapids, and in the event of an accident, rafters need to protect their heads from not only the rocks but from other rafters in the boat.
3. Hold the Paddle Properly
The rafter needs complete control over the paddle at all times. One of the most common injuries while white water rafting is from being hit by another rafter's paddle. To avoid blackened eyes or knocked out teeth, rafters need to hold the paddle with one hand on the base, and the other hand on the end of the shaft at the T-grip. Having a professional instructor display the proper way to hold the paddle helps to eliminate mishaps on the water.
4. Know the Most Dangerous Hazards
The whitewater river contains a variety of hazards and sometimes they are not easily recognized. Within a matter of seconds, a minor hazard can turn into a major disaster if the rafters are not properly prepared.
5. Stay in the Boat
Whitewater rafting can get rough, so staying in the boat is not always easy, but it is extremely important. In the event of a hard bump, rafters need to lean in place with their grip on the paddle and the T-grip placed on the floor of the boat just before the bump. If the boat collides with a rock, they should stay in the boat and paddle until no other option is available. If the boat traps to the point it may collapse, then rafters need to exit the boat in the safest manner possible. If thrown from the boat, chances are, a rafter may pop up right beside the boat. If the rafter does not pop up by the boat, but the boat is reachable, he or she should swim to the boat. If the boat is too far upstream, the rafter needs to look for alternative rescue options, such as other boats or a shoreline.
6. Never Panic
Rafters faced with hazards often panic and decision-making skills diminish. It is extremely important that rafters stay calm, even in stressful situations, so they can make the right decision and get back to enjoying their white water rafting trip. Having the right white water rafting gear and knowledge is the best defense against panic.
