Rafting is fun activity don’t you agree? Well, its true but it also carries risks. One of the most common challenges adventurers face is fall out when rafting .
Whether you’re a first-time rafter or an experienced paddler, it’s crucial to know what to do if you fall out rafting.
While the idea of being tossed into a rushing river might be intimidating, with the right knowledge, you can stay safe. Here’s a beginner guide to help you navigate this situation.
Don’t Panic! Do This If You Fall Out When Rafting
When you fall out of a raft, the first instinct may be to panic. However, staying calm can make all the difference. Panic can cloud your judgment, causing you to react in ways that may increase danger.
The key is to follow your guide’s instructions and remember a few simple actions to keep yourself safe.
1. Hold Onto Your Paddle & Grab the Raft
Your paddle isn’t just for steering the raft it can help you stay safe if you fall out. As soon as you realize you’re overboard, try to hold onto your paddle. It can be used as a flotation aid or to reach back to the raft.
Additionally, gripping your paddle will help prevent it from becoming a hazard to others.
After securing your paddle, your next goal is to grab onto the raft. If you’re close enough, reach out and grab the safety line or handles around the raft’s perimeter. Your guide and fellow rafters can also pull you back on board.
But don’t hesitate to communicate if you need assistance. In other words, stay connected to your raft it’s your best chance to get back to safety quickly.
2. Swim to Shore or a Closer Raft
If the current pulls you too far from your raft, swimming toward the nearest shore is often the safest option. This is especially important if the water becomes too rough for immediate recovery.
Focus on using strong strokes to propel yourself toward safety, and always aim for a safe landing spot.
Alternatively, if you see another raft nearby, swimming towards it may also be a viable option.
Guides are trained to help you re-board safely, even if it’s not your original raft. However, avoid swimming against the current, as this can exhaust you. It’s essential to work with the water, not against it.
3. Keep Your Feet Up
Once you’re in the water, keeping your feet up is crucial to avoid underwater hazards. The riverbed is often filled with rocks, logs, and other obstacles that can injure your feet or legs.
Floating with your feet up also allows you to steer and protect yourself from collisions. Therefore, you should point your feet downstream, keeping them visible to your guides.
This position not only helps prevent injury, but it also makes it easier for your raft guide to pull you back into the raft. In other words, keeping your feet up ensures you’re moving with the current, not against it, making it safer for everyone involved.
4. Face Downstream
Facing downstream helps you see where you’re going and allows you to navigate obstacles effectively. When you can see the flow of the river, you’re better equipped to react quickly. This position also keeps your head above water, allowing you to stay oriented and calm.
Consequently, facing downstream will help you maintain control, even in challenging conditions.
It gives you the ability to identify and avoid any hazards, ensuring you move safely with the current. This technique, combined with keeping your feet up, is key to ensuring that you remain safe and unharmed while awaiting rescue.
5. Listen to Your Guides for Direction
Your rafting guide is your best resource when fall out in rafting. That is to say, listening to your guide’s instructions can make the difference between a smooth rescue and a dangerous situation. Guides are trained to handle emergencies, so stay alert to their commands.
If they direct you to swim towards the raft or an exit point, follow their lead. In addition, your guide will likely communicate with the rest of your group to assist in your rescue.
Therefore, being attentive to their directions can help you stay safe and get back on the raft more quickly.
Read more: Bongkasa Rafting, Having Fun in Bali’s Tourist Village
No Need to Be Scared, Rafting Safely With Us
Fall out when rafting can be scary, but it’s not the end of your adventure. By staying calm, holding onto your paddle, keeping your feet up, and following your guide’s instructions, you’ll be well on your way to staying safe.
For those seeking an amazing rafting experience, consider booking with Bali ATV Rafting Adventure. Their professional guides ensure your safety at every step.
Even if you fall out, their team will make sure you’re back on the raft in no time. Safety checks are rigorous, so you can enjoy your adventure with peace of mind.
Visit baliatvraftingadventure.com for more information and book your next exciting bali white water rafting experience today!