Every year, more and more people are finding themselves trying new outdoor sports, especially with the emphasis being placed on fitness. When one includes a river in their outdoor activities, there are several safety precautions which must be taken, for both those just introduced to river activities as well as those with experience.

There are many outdoor activities which may include a river as the central setting. These can consist of kayaking, rafting, canoeing, fishing, and hiking, to name a few. Because of the nature of streams and rivers, safety is very important when planning these activities. Therefore, it is important for all involved to learn how to read a river. To those who have never had an interaction with a river, this may look like a difficult process, but the ability to read a river is not as difficult as it may seem. Even those who are experienced in dealing with rivers must always make use of these skills.

The first step in reading the river is to observe it from the bank, if possible. If this is not possible, it must be done when one enters the water, especially if on an unknown section of river. Next, one must try to determine the age of the river. When looking at a river, a “young” river would have extreme features such as a steep incline, waterfalls, and strong currents. On the other hand, an “old” river is usually found in areas which are flatter and have less extreme features, thus making them much easier to navigate. For many, a “middle aged” river seems to be the choice, giving them a challenge, but also not too difficult to navigate.

After determining the age of the river, one must observe the movement of the river itself. It is important to know where the water moves quickly, and where it moves more slowly. It is also imperative to note where any obstacles may exist. These can include rock outcroppings, where bedrock is actually seen below and above the water, and which can alter the flow of the water. Other obstructions can include man made objects, trunks and tree branches, pilings, and dams which may be very low in height, thus being somewhat obscured. At times, when large amounts of water rush over an object, it can form a current flowing in the opposite direction. One must be careful in this area to avoid being trapped by the current. In addition there is a feature in a river called an Eddy Line. This is the area where the upstream current meets the downstream current, and the water at that point can be very dangerous. Another feature to keep in mind is the Transition Zone, which is the area where the water flow changes, either from fast to slow or slow to fast. As can be seen, there are many things to be kept in mind when traversing a river. The main point to remember is to always focus on the area in front of the vehicle, whether on a boat, kayak, canoe, or even a jet ski, and to remain aware of all areas where a problem may arise.

Another popular outdoor activity is hiking. Many enjoy being outside, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Depending on where one is hiking, it may become necessary to cross a river on foot. As with boating on a river, crossing a river on foot can also be dangerous unless safety rules are closely followed.

Even before the hike starts, one should check weather reports to see if there have been any heavy rains or if rain is forecast, which might affect the flow of the river. Good boots or reef sandals should be worn in order to avoid injury from sharp objects which might be on the bottom. If wearing a back pack, loosen the straps in order to be able to drop it if necessary.

As with boaters, before crossing a river, one should survey the area, looking for any hidden dangers. These can include dead trees and branches, fast flowing water, hidden sharp or slippery rocks, and whether the water is deep or shallow. If obstructions are noticed, one should plan a route around these before starting. If crossing alone, one should have a stick or pole with them. This will help with testing the depth of the water, as well as with balance. Instead of stepping on rocks, which may be very slippery, it is sometimes better to step between the rocks. Keeping one’s eyes on the river bank on the opposite side, rather than on the water by the feet will help avoid dizziness. It may be helpful to use a side-stepping motion when crossing.

Hikers crossing a river as a group should adhere to the same safety rules as a single hiker, and remain aware of any dangers which might be present. The only difference is in the manner in which they cross the river. When crossing as a group, each member should link arms, with the larger and stronger people on the ends, and the smaller or weaker in the middle of the line. All should enter the water at the same time, keeping their eyes on the opposite shore.

In case the worst should happen, all should be familiar with the procedure to follow if one should fall into the water. The first thing to do is to get rid of any gear one may have on them. Roll onto the back, with feet pointing downstream, keeping them high enough in the water to avoid getting stuck on the bottom. Remain on the back until one reaches calmer water. Use the arms to paddle to the shore, if possible. Upon arriving on the shore, anyone who has fallen into the water should remove any wet clothing and put on dry clothes immediately.

As can be seen, for both boaters (all kinds) and hikers, it is very important that they investigate all aspects of any river they are planning to ride on or walk across. A river is a part of nature, and as everyone knows, what happens in nature is often unpredictable. But with the correct preparation, these activities can be exciting as well as safe.