Whitewater Rafting- Latest Safety Tips 2015

Whether you booked a half day or a 6-day whitewater rafting journey, you will likely get a safety talk at the launch area or the boat ramp but here are some essential tips to remember.

Wear your life jacket

It seems like a no-brainer, but it is really the easiest way to stay safe while whitewater rafting. A rafting outfitter is required to provide type V life jackets or personal floatation devices to all visitors going whitewater rafting. A type V life jacket represents to the foam density and pounds of floatation in the device, generally it is the most secure kind of jacket you can wear. So, once you are near the river's edge, be sure that your life jacket is on and it is effectively fitted. To be able for a life jacket to be properly fitted, it needs to fit snug. This will make sure that your life jacket does not float up and over your head if you jump into the water, it needs to stay down around your midsection to do its job correctly. Always wear your life jacket any time you are near the water or in the rafting.

Watch your step

Be cautious getting around when on the river bank and especially when getting in and out of the boat. The rocks which are along the edge of the river are very slippery, so take your time. "Low and slow" is a motto that river guides use often, move gradually and crouch down low when the terrain or rocks are particularly dangerous.

Listen to your guide

This is especially essential when it comes to a paddle boat, where each individual has a paddle. The guide will be calling out commands such as left side, right side, etc. They do this to be able to get around securely through a fast, prevent rocks and make sure you are having the most fun possible.

Sit in a recliner

If you do occur to fall into the water and you are approaching a fast, you will want to try to get back to the boat as soon as possible. Sometimes it is not always possible to get back in the boat, you may have to float down the river for a bit before being pulled back into the boat. Remember you have a type V life jacket on that will help keep you afloat, also all you need to do is sit returning in a la-z-boy recliner position with your feet out in front side of you and float down the river. This position makes sure that if there are rocks in the river, you are able to jump off of them with your feet, not your head or tailbone. You will also have a clear view of what is down the river.

Breathe above water

Another one of those rules that seems very user-friendly and does not have to require to be described, but it really does need to be described. A first whitewater rafting journey lot of people will go through an initial shock that they are in the water and a short time of panic, which can cause to irregular respiration. Take a big breath when your head is above water and do not take the breath when it is under water.

Pay attention to your surroundings

Be prepare yourself for your first whitewater rafting journey. There are local risks to look at out for and your guides will fill you in on the specifics, whether it is poison ivy, snakes, poison oak, etc. Just be conscious of the land and it's risks.

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