If you’re planning to go White Water Rafting Durango, CO-based, keep some safety tips in mind. You’ll need to maintain ultimate safety the whole time you’re out on the raft. The following is a good place to start.
Select a Professional Rafting Outfitter
It’s important to have an expert as your rafting outfitter. Be sure to ask plenty of questions early on. Find out how long they’ve been in business and the training that their guides have received. Also, learn what government entity is in charge of their permit and training practices.
Wear a Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Device at All Times
Put on a life jacket every time you’re about to go on your raft. You’ll need to ensure that you know how to wear it properly and that you always do so. Get your jacket fitted by a professional so that it’s customized to your body. You shouldn’t be able to pull it over your head, and you should be able to breathe.
Wear All Your Protective Gear
Put on a helmet regardless of the level of rafting in which you’re participating. You may wear a helmet for rollerblading or bike riding or at least have your child do this. Talk to a professional to determine the best gear for your needs.
Be Sure to Bring the Right Outerwear
It’s crucial that you pay attention to what the weather is going to be like. When it’s early spring, the water can be chilly, and you’d do well to wear a splash jacket, wetsuit, and some river shoes. This allows you to enjoy the experience and stay more comfortable. When you go to a reputable outfitter, they should have all of this gear. When it’s extremely sunny, you should have a good pair of sunglasses, a strap for your glasses, and sunscreen.
Remain in the Boat
When you’re out on the open waters, you’re probably not going to try to jump out. However, the raft could hit a rocky spot, and it may throw you from the boat. If your guide yells out “bump!”, then hold onto grips to prevent yourself from being thrown over. If you do fall out, it’s important that you stay calm and find your boat quickly. This way, you should be able to get back in without a problem.
Proper Swimming Techniques
You may know how to swim (you really should have this down before going on a raft), but do you know proper swimming techniques to use if you fall out of the boat? For instance, it’s a good idea to use the Down River Swimmers Position. You’ll use your feet as shock absorbers in order to push off a rock instead of hitting it hard or getting stuck.