What are the risks of rafting?

The risks of rafting are similar to any outdoor sport and can be mitigated through careful technique and proper training. To understand the risks, you must first understand the sport.

The Nature of RaftingYou can go rafting on large volume rivers, small creeks, and even reservoirs. You can choose to participate in thrilling, class V whitewater trips, or stay on flatwater and just enjoy the scenery and fishing opportunities. Either way, you will probably be in a remote area where cell phone signals and roads can be hard to come by. In deep canyons on multi-day trips, the only way to access help may be through satellite phones or hiking out.

Most people raft on large, inflatable, rubber or PVC boats with either paddles or oars. Paddle boats tend to be lighter and more maneuverable, but may be more prone to flips. Oar rigs, generally larger boats with a wooden or metal frame, are heavier. However, because they tend to carry gear, there are more opportunities to get injured by things on the raft itself.

A rafting trip can last from a few hours to several weeks. On the Arkansas River in Colorado, the most commercially rafted stretch of river in North America, trips are generally about 1/2 a day to 1 day and may last from 13 to 17 miles. The whitewater is swift with little time for recovery during high flows. Hazards include rocks, large hydraulics, and man-made features such as metal that has fallen from the train tracks into the river.

The RisksStatistically speaking, you are more likely to get injured getting on or off the boat than sitting in it. I've listed a few examples of possible risks to rafting below, the the list is not comprehensive. These are the areas we emphasize in our safety talks.

• Whitewater - Depending on the type of river you are on, a swim in the river can be fun or can be a life-or-death situation. Most of the time, however, it seems worse than it actually is and leaves you with nothing more than a good story to tell your friends.

The most dangerous features are probably strainers (objects that let water through but not people, like log jams). These can catch you and make it difficult for you to surface. You may also encounter large hydraulics which can hold you for some time, tiring you and making it difficult to breath. Cold water can cause vascular restriction which can lead to stroke or heart attack.

The most deadly rapid in the Grand Canyon is not the class 10 Lava Falls, or the notorious Crystal rapid, but the small class 2 riffle at the bottom of one of the more popular hikes. People wade into the water without any rescue device and are swept downstream by strong currents which catch them offguard. Rule #1 then - always wear your personal flotation device (PFD)

• Obstacles - I mentioned strainers above. You should also be aware of rocks and other objects in that river that can hurt you if you hit them or, even worse, are pinned against them. Your guide will tell you about the defensive swimming position. When you are in swift water, float on your back with your feat downstream. Push off of any obstacle you come across, and when you have the opportunity, swim energetically back to the boat or to the shore.

• Natural Hazards - Because you will be rafting in remote areas, things you may take for granted become big issues on the river. Small cuts can get infected quickly and lead to larger issues. A twisted ankle or injured shoulder can keep you from self rescuing yourself in the water. You must also be aware of snake bites, spider bites, poison ivy, etc. Finally, dehydration can be a big issue, along with exhaustion. Keep hydrated and replenish your electrolytes.

What you can doBe proactive. Learn CPR. Take a swiftwater rescue class. Most importantly, learn to self rescue and always be prepared. You are your best rescue equipment. Learn to swim in swift water, keep your wits about you, breath in rapids, and deal with objects like strainers.

I am a raft guide on the Colorado River and have boated all across the west. I have swam big rapids, been in a flipped boat, injured myself on shore, and dealt with wrap situations. Stuff happens on the river, but don't let it scare you. Have a good time! Rafting is, after all, an adventure sport.