10 Safety Tips for White Water Rafting

1. Prepare your self physically before hand.
Research the rafting route you plan to take on your trip. Survey it on a hiking trip (if possible) or obtain more information from your guide and make certain you can provide the upper body strength needed for the trip. If you don't feel you do (and is suggested even if you feel you do) be sure to lift weights, do push-ups and sit-ups along with practicing your swimming ability to help build up your muscles.

2. Be familiar with all equipment.
Make sure you know about safety equipment such as the Personal Floatation Device (also known as PFD), helmet, the Raft, and Patch Kits. PFD are required to be worn at all times by the U.S. Coast Guard. This device could save your life! Make sure it is durable and fits snugly but not tight enough to cut off any circulations and you don't want it loose so that it slips off either. The helmet you select should also be comfortable and snug as well, it will help to protect you again any impacts. It is important to know about your raft, in cases of emergency. Most rafts are inflatable and made of heavy duty vinyl and sealed together usually either by high heat or strong glue. Sharp sticks or rocks could puncture the vinyl so it is important to also have a patch kit handy for the just in case. Finally the Patch Kit, is useful to have in case your raft does spring a leak. Be sure to follow the instructions within the Patch Kit, and follow them accordingly.

3. Listen to your Guide.
It is important to listen to your Guide. They have been trained in this field of expertise for years and know what they are talking about. Especially in cases of emergency, remember to stay calm and follow their instructions explicitly.

4. Don't drink Alcohol.
It can affect your balance (which could land you overboard), blur your vision ( which could steer your raft off course and into uncharted territory), and cloud your judgment (make you want to get up and sing and dance, yes I know that sounds funny, but could possibly capsize the raft and end up hurting you or your fellow rafters). Alcohol can affect your hearing as well. Being able to see and hear your immediate surroundings is important for every minute of rafting presents hidden dangers and unknown events.

5. Don't use your paddle as a weapon.
Simply stated, the paddle is not a toy, it should not be used to 'bog someone over the head'. It should only be used to help you enjoy your trip and raft down your chosen path.

6. Don't Raft in the dark.
It is dangerous to Raft during the day time, it is even more dangerous to Raft during the night. You cannot possibly be able to see everything that is coming towards you and could hurt yourself or others. If you realize night is coming on try to find a safe place off shore to set up camp.

7. Sunscreen.
Even on cloudy days sunscreen will help to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Reflections of the sun off the water make it easier for you to get burnt.

8. Drink Water.
Rafting is an extreme upper body sport, you will get tired and out of breath at some point. Be sure to keep your body hydrated by drinking bottled water. Don't drink from the river, or body of water you are rafting on, it could be contaminated with any number of diseases!

9. Bug Spray.
Be sure to bring bug spray with you, you could be attack by mosquitoes, bees, or other flying insects, and though bug spray won't help for EVERYTHING, it will help for most bugs.

10. First Aid.
You should be prepared for anything, bring a small pocket first aid kit will help in cases of nicks and cuts, a head ache or what not. In cases of extreme emergency, be sure to read up on first aid for rafting, or ask your Guide more about it. There are courses available that could help you teach yourself about possible first aid solutions to any problem that may occur during a rafting trip.

Remember to have fun and enjoy your trip!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rafting#Safety

http://www.abc-of-rafting.com/info/rafting-safety-equipment.asp

http://www.raftinfo.com/whitewater-rafting-safety.htm