So, you want to take your family out for a memorable vacation exploring the outdoors and getting lost in nature. Alternatively, maybe you and your friends want a weekend of fun that can help you unwind from your 9-5 desk jobs. A really good option to relax and have a lot of fun at the same time is whitewater rafting.
Whitewater rafting has caught up in popularity among people over the years because it offers a visceral experience and it’s suitable for the whole family. Several people though are paranoid about it because of the dangers associated with whitewater rafting in general. There is talk out there about how whitewater rafting is a really dangerous sport, and it results in a number of fatalities.
Is there any truth to this or is it just spin designed to play on the minds of potential paddlers? Let’s find out!
Dangers of whitewater rafting
Any outdoor adventure has some element of risk to it, but if you take care, follow instructions and respect your own abilities, you eliminate 90% of the risk involved. Rough statistics record over 250,000 people who raft annually and of late, there have been very few cases of serious injuries reported.
While it might seem that it is raw and visceral, there are informed reports that state whitewater rafting is a lot safer than riding a bicycle. 10 people have died nationwide on whitewater rafting trips out of 2.5 million paddlers. Most rangers agree that even though people sometimes do get thrown overboard, there is more than a good chance that they will survive without any serious injuries.
The best way to mitigate danger is to pay attention to the safety briefing from your guides and always remember to make sure that you have your safety gear on when you head out to the water.
Whitewater Rafting vs. Other Adventure Activities
While statistics and figures are not easy to come by as far as rafting is concerned, there have been a few numbers recorded which can give you the actual picture of whitewater rafting injuries compared to other adventure activities.
These numbers are people injured out of 100,000 participants in the activity –
- Horseback Riding – 2860 injuries
- Mountain Biking – 1480 injuries
- Surfing – 1110 injuries
- Hiking – 760 injuries
- Whitewater rafting – 179 injuries
While these numbers do not take into account the time spent on each activity, it goes to show that the reputation whitewater rafting has garnered for being dangerous is not justified.
Safety Precautions While Whitewater Rafting
As the adage goes, it is better to be safe than sorry. Whitewater rafting is a dangerous sport, and you need to make sure that you take all the precautions to keep yourself from getting seriously hurt. Most professional whitewater rafting companies have high-quality safety gear and professional guides who can help you get the best out of the experience and safely.
Safety tips for whitewater rafting
The first thing you need to need to do is research online and find a licensed rafting outfitter who has plenty of good reviews. The rafting outfitter is central to your experience and opting for the best one you can afford sorts out a lot of problems that might crop up during the trip.
Next, you must always check if you have proper protective gear on your person. You need to make sure that you never get into the raft or water without a personal flotation device (PFD) and your helmet. These are critical pieces of safety equipment as far as whitewater rafting is concerned. Always consult your guide to check if you have the equipment on correctly it is properly fastened.
You need to choose the right attire with regards to the prevailing weather conditions. Find out from your outfitter if they have gear for you. If the weather is chilly, it’s best to opt for a wetsuit or a splash jacket along with a good pair of water shoes. Most professional outfitters will have these for you. If the weather is warm, make sure you have quick drying clothing on along with waterproof sunscreen and sunglasses. Sunburn can happen really quickly and severely at higher altitudes so ensure that you’re protected at all times.
Learn the commands when your guide is briefing you about it before starting the journey. Most commands are simple and easy to remember like paddling forwards and back. Some of them like the high side command means you need to brace yourself against the higher side of the raft during a collision. The guide also shares valuable information about the different types of obstacles that you are likely to encounter during the journey and what you need to do. Don’t hold yourself back from asking questions, because your curiosity could save you from a tough situation!
You need to brush up on your swimming technique if you haven’t already. There are chances that you might be thrown overboard due to the topography of the river or an error on the part of the crew. Don’t panic and try to keep your head above water. Stay calm while waiting for the guide’s instructions. If you’re not swimming through a harsh point in the river, worst case you can swim to the banks. Don’t try swimming against stronger currents as this can only exacerbate the situation you’re in.
Summing it up
We have tried to bring to light the several arguments for and against whitewater rafting as a wonderful vacation option. While it was a lot more dangerous back then, these days professional outfitters make sure that you are well taken care of along with top shelf safety gear which means you, friends and family will have an adventure that they will cherish for the rest of their lives!
