Crossing rivers can be exciting but way too dangerous because you do not know what lies beneath. Before taking the trip alone or in a group it is necessary to assess the possibilities and the challenges of crossing the river bed. For instance, look out for shallow braided sections, bridges, the deep and shallow points, etc. You would also need the right kind of attire – tough boots and short pants.
Cross River Safety
Some safe steps and tips for crossing a river are listed below:
- Use a long and strong pole about 5 to 6 feet and place it upstream
- Keep two points of contact while crossing a river
- Cross diagonally downstream
- Shuffle as you take one step at a time to assess the bed beneath your feet
- If in a group cross in a line with hands on the back of the person in front from both sides grabbing on the lower part of the shoulder strap
- Cross in groups of three
- Try entering the water so that you are parallel to the current
- The strongest person should face in the upstream position as the rest follow
- Try forming a triangle while entering the water, facing each other towards the inside with arms tied and the strongest person should be at the triangle point facing the downstream side of the triangle.
- Each person should take a step supported by the other two
Always release your waist and chest straps of your bag pack to cross rivers. In case, you loose footing, let go of your bag pack from the shoulders but hang onto to it while keeping your face above and facing upstream.