Whitewater Rafting Safety Tips

When whitewater rafting, it is important that you follow all safety measures to ensure you make it through your trip without any issues. As is the case with any extreme sports, there are many dangers that accompany whitewater rafting. However, if you follow these safety tips, you should have no problem arriving safely at the end of the rapids.

Wear a Life Jacket

Wearing a life jacket is the single most important whitewater rafting safety tip you can follow. If you do happen to fall out of the raft, the strong current will force you down the river. You will want to be wearing a life jacket so that you stay afloat and can swim to safety if you happen to fall overboard.

Know How to Swim

If you do not know how to swim, you probably should not go whitewater rafting. While you do not have to be an Olympic caliber swimmer, being able to swim a little bit will make it easier for you to reach safety should you fall out of the boat. Knowing that you will be able to swim to safety if you fall into the water will enable you to stay calm and swim to the shoreline as you wait for your fellow whitewater rafters to pick you up.

Wear a Helmet

Rapids are caused by flowing water traveling over rocks and rough terrain under the surface. This rough terrain and rocks pose potential hazards whenever you fall overboard. Wearing a helmet at all times during your trip will reduce the chances of you cracking your head on a rock below the surface and being knocked unconscious while the river carries you downstream. Obviously if you are unconscious you will be unable to swim to safety, which is it is important that you wear a helmet at all times during your rafting trip.