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If you've ever wondered how dangerous whitewater rafting is, you've come to the right place. Read on for safety tips, including how to wear your life jacket and Flotation device, and position yourself in a raft during a rapid. You should also consider the chance of falling out of your raft. Hopefully, after reading this article, you'll feel more confident about tackling the whitewater rapids.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert, you must know how to properly fit a life jacket. A life jacket is essential for your safety. Even the simplest one should be adjustable. The buckles and straps should be snug but not so tight that they restrict breathing. Make sure to adjust the straps across the front of the jacket, so you can get the proper fit. You should also make sure to listen to your guide's commands, as you never know when you might need it.
To keep you safe, look for a life jacket that is comfortable, lightweight, and provides maximum protection. Unlike other life jackets, whitewater rafting life jackets are shaped to allow for maximum mobility. They are also constructed with durable materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of paddling in a fast-moving environment. A life jacket that meets these requirements is a must for all whitewater rafters.
A PFD, or personal flotation device, is an important safety accessory to have on your raft trip. You'll need to have a PFD approved by the Coast Guard for each participant, and one extra one must be carried with every ten people on your trip. To stay safe, you must make sure that the PFD is in good condition, fastened properly, and is specifically designed for whitewater rafting, canoeing, or kayaking. Don't use a general boating vest if it doesn't meet these requirements. PFDs should be free of holes, rips, or broken buckets or zippers, and have a harness or crotch strap.
Before you go whitewater rafting, you should purchase a PFD that fits your body type. Most PFDs are Type III, but you may want to consider getting a Type V if you're going to be on big, aerated water. This will provide more flotation, but is bulkier and more uncomfortable. You may need a higher float if you have lean muscles and want to avoid having to swim in the PFD while you're on the water.
The best way to avoid a raft flip is to know the basics of river safety. Try to stay calm and remember the safety talk. If you fall out, focus on swimming out of the raft and finding the rope. If you're in a raft that flips, stay calm and try to swim out of the raft as quickly as possible. If you get caught in a rapid, don't panic or lose control. Your mental and physical health are at stake.
Never reach for a paddle handle or a throw line if you're swept out of the raft. A throw line can pull you underwater, even if you're not being pulled out of the raft. A throw line contains several feet of rope and should be considered a hazard. A paddle may accidentally hit you, but keep it out of reach from the bottom.
Despite the fact that the chance of falling out of a whitewater float is extremely low, there are still some precautions you should take to ensure your safety. If you follow the instructions of your guide, your chances of falling out of a whitewater raft are minimal. Make sure you listen to the instructions of your raft guide and hang on when instructed. Observe all safety precautions. If you do become overwhelmed by excitement, don't be afraid to call for help.
First of all, make sure you don't lose your balance and stay balanced in your raft. Don't let yourself get dragged off the raft by the raft's handle. If you do fall out, grab onto the side of the raft and face the rescuer. This will allow you to kick yourself back into the raft and see your rescuer. You can also hold onto the safety rope with your feet, which will help you stay upright.
An extensive database of whitewater river accidents, called the American Whitewater Accident Database, is available to anyone who wishes to learn more about the dangers of kayaking. The database includes over 1600 deaths and close calls and has been up-to-date since 1975, when a fatality on a slalom race was witnessed by Charlie Walbridge. In 1976, Walbridge published a report explaining the dangers of foot entrapment in whitewater rivers and continued to collect accident data through the American Whitewater Journal.
While the database is updated regularly, it can sometimes be difficult to find a detailed report. In such cases, the American Whitewater Association asks its members to submit reports. The best reports come from first-hand accounts, but information from newspaper articles or social media posts can be helpful, as well. The database can also be found here. However, it is important to note that accident reports are often not published in large, widely circulated whitewater publications.
