Falling Overboard

The best place to be on a river is in the raft!

There is always a slim chance that paddlers and waders may fall into the water. Here are some thoughts on this subject…

Always Stay in Sight

Make sure your guide can see you at all times.

• Conduct your science tests near your guide.
• Eat lunch close to the main group.
• If you need privacy, let your guide know where you're going.

Stay Seated

Stay seated and keep your feet inside.

The chances of falling into the river are reduced if you sit properly in the rafts.

• Don't stand-up in rafts in moving water.
• Wedge your feet under the seats or sides of the raft.
• Lean into the centre of the raft during turns.
• Don't hang your feet over the side of the raft.

Floating In The River

Student practice floating in a river.

If you do end-up in the river, here are some things to remember…

• Keep your feet up and face downstream.
• Call out for help.
• Listen for instructions that your guide yells out to you.
• Grab the lifeline around the raft.
• Grab a rescue throw rope if you drift far from the boat or shore.
• Float on your back while the throw rope is being pulled in.
• Listen for your guide's instructions.

Helping Someone in the River

Your guide is the best trained person to help someone in the river.

Your guide is the best person to help someone who has fallen into the river, but there are some things that you can do…

• Don't go into the water to help.
• Call out and let your guide know that someone is in the water.
• Your guide may tell you to reach a paddle out to the person in the water.
• Make room for the guide to pull the person into the raft.