Adventure Rafting Skills Whitewater Raft Safety Guidelines

Introduction

introduction

The code, however, is only a collection of guidelines; attempts to minimize risks should be flexible, not constrained by a rigid set Of rules. Varying conditions and group goals may combine with unpredictable circumstances to require warm processes. This code is not intended to serve as a standard of care for commercial outfitters or guides.

This rule is written using the most useful information and reviewed by whitewater experts in many different places. However, this law is only used as a guideline for reference, and it must be flexible and flexible in order to minimize the risk, rather than rigidly adhere to the law of death. The conditions of change and the goals of the group, combined with unpredictable environmental factors, require alternate procedures. This rule is different from the standard care services of the business community.

I. Personal Preparedness and Responsibility

I. Personal preparation and responsibility.

1.Be a competent swimmer, with the ability to handle you underwater.

1. A competent swimmer who has the ability to control himself in the water.

2.Wear a life jacket. a snugly-fitting vest-type life preserver offers back and shoulder protection as well as the flotation needed to swim safely in whitewater.

2. Wearing a life jacket. When drifting in white water requires swimming, an appropriate vest-type lifesaving tool can provide good protection for your back and shoulders, as well as make you safe.

3.Wear a solid, correctly-fitted helmet when upsets are likely. This is essential in kayaks or covered canoes, and recommended for open canoeists using thigh straps and rafters running steep drops

3. When there is a possibility of the head rushing down, a sturdy and suitable helmet is properly worn on the head. It is essential for kayak and enclosed canoes. It is recommended for those who use the open-air rowing boat and the rubber boat to rush

4.Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure that you can run it safely or swim it without injury.

4. Do not kayaking outside of the capacity control area. You should have enough skill and ability to stop the ship before danger or reach the shore. Do not enter the rapids unless you are convinced that you can safely pass or swim without injury.

5.Whitewater rivers contain many hazards which are not always easily recognized. The following are the most frequent killers.

5. Whitewater rivers contain many dangerous places and are not always easily identified. The following are some of the most common killers.

1)High Water. The river's speed and power increase dramatically as the flow increases, raising the difficulty of most rapids. Rescue - progressively harder as the water rises, adding to the danger. Floating debris and strainers make even an easy rapid quite hazardous. It is often misleading to judge the river level at the put in, Since a small rise in a wide, shallow place will be multiplied many times where the river narrows. Use reliable gauge information every possible, and be aware that sun on snowpack, hard Rain, and upstream dam links may increase the flow.

1) High water level.

As the flow of water increases, the speed and power of the river will be greatly enhanced. Most rapids will increase in difficulty. Rescue will become increasingly difficult and even dangerous as the water level rises. Floating debris or objects make it very dangerous for even simple jets. When entering, it is often difficult to judge the level of the water, because in a wide and shallow place, a small amount of water will increase, so that the river will increase the number of gorges. At any time, using reliable metering information and paying attention to the sun, heavy rain, and dam water discharge at the ski resort, this will increase the amount of water.

2)Cold. Cold drains your strength and robs you of the ability to make sound decisions on situations affecting your survival. Cold-water immersion, because of the initial shock and the rapid heat loss which follows, is especially dangerous. Dress changed for bad Weather or sudden immersion in the water. When the water temperature is less than 50 degrees F., a wetsuit or drysuit is essential for protection if you swim. next best is wool or pile clothing under a waterproof shell. In this case, you should If, after prolonged exposure, a person experiences uncontrollable shaking, loss of coordination, or ability speaking, he or she is hypothermic, and needs your assistance.

2) Cold.

The cold will dry up your power and it will make you lose your ability to make a full judgment on matters that affect your survival. Immersed in frozen water, this can be especially dangerous due to the shaking and the rapid loss of heat following. Wear clothes that can be kept in bad weather or when suddenly falling into the water. When the water temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (equivalent to 10 degrees Celsius), if you swim, protection of wet or dry clothing is a must. It is best to wear wool in a waterproof jacket. In this case, you should bring a waterproof bag and put the changeable clothes inside. If you feel late and someone is uncontrollable or difficult to talk to, he or she is out of temper and needs your help.

3) Strainers. Brush, fallen trees, bridge pilings, undercut rocks or anything else which which river current to sweep through can pins and boaters against the obstacle. Water pressure on anything trapped this way can be overwhelming. rescue is often extremely difficult. Pinning may occur in fast current, with little or not whitewater to warn of the danger.

3) filter hole

Bushes, fallen trees, bridged piles, rocks hollowed at the bottom, or anything else that can speed the flow of water will place ships and crew on obstacles. Water pressure is overwhelmingly irresistible for anything nailed to it. It is often extremely difficult to seek help. "Don't" may also happen in fast water, with only a little or no spray to indicate danger.

4)Dams, weirs, ledges, reversals, holes, and hydraulics. When water drops over a obstacle, it curls back on itself, forming a strong upstream current which may be capable of holding a boat or swimmer. Some holes make for excellent sport . Others are proven killers. Paddlers who can recognize the difference should avoid all but the minimum holes. Hydraulics around man-made dams must be treated with utmost respect regardless of their height or the level of the river. Despite their seemingly benign appearance, they Can create an almost escape-proof trap. The swimmer's only exit from the "drowning machine" is to dive below the surface when the downstream current is flowing beneath the reversal.

4) Dams, water grids, reefs, reversals, pits, and water conservancy facilities. When water falls over an obstacle, it will rewind itself and form a strong backflow that can trap the boat or swimmer. Some of these holes have contributed to the excitement of the sport. Others have been proved to be killers. Apart from the smallest water hole, the butchers cannot distinguish between them. No matter how low the dam or the level of water flow, artificial dams and the surrounding water projects must pay the utmost attention to them. Although they appear to be very peaceful on the surface, they can create traps that can hardly escape. The only way for swimmers to break away from this "death-stopping machine" is to dive down to the vortex and follow the forward flow to the downstream.

6.Broaching. when a boat is pushed sideways against a rock by strong current, it may collapse and wrap. this is especially dangerous to kayak and decked canoe paddlers; these boats will collapse and the combination of indestructible hulls and tight outfitting may create a Deadly trap. even without entrapment,

Affected nelled boats can be extremely time-consuming and dangerous. to avoid pinning, throw your weight downstream towards the rock. this allows the current to slide harmlessly underneath the hull.

6. Like being strung on a fork

When the hull is rushed to the stone by strong currents, it may be broken down into two parts. This would be particularly dangerous for kayak and paddler on assembly deck canoe. These ships will be disintegrated, and the disintegrated shells and sturdy equipment will become deadly traps. Even if the ship does not break down to form a trap, it will be a time-consuming and dangerous period to push open your ship. To avoid being pinned, throw away the burden on the body and dive to the front of the stone. After the hull, the water will not hurt you.

7.Boating alone is discouraged. The minimum party is three people or two craft.

7. Boating alone is not advocating. The smallest team is three or two boats.

8.Have a frank knowledge of your boating ability, and don't attempt rivers or rapids which lie beyond that ability.

8. Know your boating ability, knowledge and experience. Do not try rivers and rapids beyond your ability.

9.Be in Good physical and mental condition, consistent with the difficulties which may be expected. Make adjustments for loss of skill due to age, health, fitness. Any health effects must be explained to your fellow paddlers prior to starting the trip.

9. Both body and spirit are in good condition, and it is necessary to estimate the difficulties that will occur. Factors such as age, health, and adaptability are estimated and adjusted for the decrease in ability. Any health problem must be explained to the companion before starting the journey.

10.Be practiced in self-rescue, including escape from an overturned craft. The eskimo roll is polar recommended for decked boaters who run rapids Class IV or greater, or who paddle in cold environmental conditions.

10. Self-help skillful. Including tumbling technology. After four or more levels of rapids, or in a frozen environment, it is strongly recommended that eskimo rool (floating of fancy boats).

11.Be trained in rescue skills, CPR, and first aid with special emphasis on the recognizing and treating hypothermia. It may save your friend's life.

11. Accept rescue skills, CPR, and first aid training. Particular emphasis is placed on the treatment of temperature loss. It will save your friend's life.

12.Carry equipment needed for unexpected emergencies, including foot wear which will protect your feet when walking out, a throw rope, knife, whistle, and waterproof matches. If you wear eyeglasses, tie them on and carry a spare pair on long trips. Bring cloth repair tape on short runs, and a full repair kit on isolated rivers. Do not wear bulky jackets, ponchos, heavy boots, or anything else which could reduce your ability to survive a swim.

12. With equipment to deal with unexpected emergencies. Including shoes out of the boat to protect your feet, throwing ropes, knives, whistles and waterproof bags. If you wear glasses, tie them with a string, and take a spare if you are on a long distance. Short-term repair belts with clothing and a river that is isolated from the outside world require a complete set of repair tools. Do not wear loose clothing, raincoats, heavy boots or anything that will reduce your ability to survive a swim.

13.Despite the mutually supportive group structure described in this code, individual paddlers are partly responsible for their own safety, and must be sole responsibility for the following decisions:

I.The decision to participate on any trip. This includes an evaluation of the expected difficulty of the rapids under the conditions existing at the time of the put-in.

II.The selection of appropriate equipment, including a boat design suited to their skills and the appropriate rescue and survival gear.

III.The decision to scout any rapid, and to run or portage according to their best judgment. Other members of the group may offer advice, but paddlers should

Resist pressure from anyone to paddle beyond their skills. It is also its responsibility to decide whether to pass up any walk-out or take-out opportunity.

IV.All trip participants shall evaluate them own and their group's safety, voicing their concerns when appropriate and following what believe. be in the best course of action. Paddlers are induction to speak with anyone whose actions are the water are dangerous, whether they Are a part of your group or not.

13. A mutual aid group should have the following description when teaming up: The finisher is ultimately responsible for his safety and makes the sole decision on the following:

I. Participate in the journey. Including the assessment of the difficulty of jet stream at the time.

II. Decided to choose the appropriate equipment, including the ships that matched their capabilities and suitable rescue and survival devices.

III. It is decided that people will go to detect the rapids and pass their best judgment to plan or move. Other players can provide advice, but the paddlers should resist pressure and refuse to cut the rapids beyond their ability. It is also their responsibility to decide whether to go out or plan to go out.

IV. Any team member should assess the safety of themselves and their team. Express your opinions when appropriate, and follow the best route they believe to be on the road. If someone is potentially dangerous on the water, speaking to anyone is encouraging, regardless of whether they are your team members or not.

II. Boat and Equipment Preparedness

Preparation of ships and equipment

1.Test new and different equipment under familiar conditions before relying on it for difficult runs. This is especially true when adopting a new boat design or outfitting system. Low-volume craft may present additional hazards to inexperienced or poorly conditioned paddlers.

1. Test new and different equipment. It is important to familiarize yourself with the equipment before it is difficult, especially when using newly designed boats and equipment. For beginners or poorly inhabited paddlers, small-volume vessels may pose additional danger.

2.Be sure your boat and gear are in good repair before starting a trip. The more isolated and difficult the run, the more rigorous this inspection should be.

2. Make sure your boat and transmission are well maintained before you travel. The more difficult it is to go, the stricter the inspections should be.

3.Install flotation bags in non-inflatable craft, securely fixed in each end, designed to displace as much water as possible. Inflatable boats should have multiple air chambers and be test-inflated before launching.

3. Install some safety ring buoys on the non-inflated boat, fixed at each end, designed to ship a large amount of water. The inflatable boat should have multiple air chambers and be tested for inflation prior to launch.

4.Have strong, properly sized paddles or oars for controlling your craft. Carry sufficient spares for the length and difficulty of the trip.

4. Have a properly sized paddle or rake to control your boat. With enough spare parts to deal with a long trip or a difficult journey.

5.It is your responsibility to see that there is absolutely nothing to cause entrapment when coming free of an upset craft. This includes:

I.Spray covers which won't release reliably or which release prematurely.

II.Boat outfitting too tight to allow a fast exit, especially in low volume kayaks or decked canoes. This includes low-hung thwarts in canoes lacking sufficient clearance for your feet and kayak footbraces which fail or allow your feet to become wedged under them.

III.Inadequately supported decks which collapse on a paddler's legs when a decked boat is pinned by water pressure. Inadequate clearance with the deck because of your size or build.

IV.Loose ropes which cause entanglement. Beware of any length of loose line attached to a whitewater boat. All items must be tied tightly and excess line eliminated; painters, throw lines, and safety rope systems must be completely and effectively stored. Do not Knot the end of a rope, as it can get caught in cracks between rocks.

5. Make your ship safe. In rapids, the ability to leave the ship quickly is an essential safety element. It is your duty to inspect and make sure that there is absolutely no resistance to wrap around what you left when you overturn. These things include:

I. Skiing skirts cannot be opened in time or opened prematurely.

II. The equipment of the ship is too tight to affect the quick departure. Especially in small-sized canoes or armored boats. Including the low hanging cross plate installed in the boat does not have enough space for your feet, the canoe's feet will also hurt your feet.

III. When the boat is pinned by water, the unsupported covering falls down and presses your leg. You cannot clear the cover because of your size or body.

IV. Entanglement caused by loose ropes. Carefully attach any length of loose rope attached to the whitewater boat. Everything must be tightly bound and the remaining rope must be removed; "nail", throwing ropes, and safety ropes must be complete and effectively preserved. Do not knot the end of the rope as it will lodge between the seams.

6.Provide ropes which permit you to hold on to your craft so that it may be rescued. The following methods are recommended:

I.Kayaks and covered canoes should have grab loops of 1/4” + rope or equivalent webbing sized to admit a normal-sized hand. Stern painters are permissible if normally secured.

II.Open canoes should have securely anchored bow and stern painters consisting of 8 - 10 feet of 1/4” + line. These must be secured in such a way that they are intake accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Grab loops are acceptable , but are more difficult to reach after an upset.

III.Rafts and dories may have taut perimeter lines threaded through the loops provided. Footholds should be designed so that a paddler's feet cannot be forced through them, causing entrapment. Flip lines should be carefully and reliable stowed.

6. Prepare the rope so that you can hold it and be rescued. The following method is recommended:

I. Canoes and enclosed boats should have 1/4'+ thick ropes or other equipment to create rings or grips that can accommodate normal-sized hands. If firm, stern painters are allowed.

II. Open ships must have safe anchored bows and stern painters 8-10 feet long and 1/4' thick ropes. These ropes must be strong and the capacity is seized, but they cannot be loosened by accident. The ring is suitable, but it is not easy to catch it after capsizing.

III. There should be a tight, threaded, looped rope around the ship. The footing should be designed so that the feet of the hand do not have to pass through them, causing traps. The rope should be installed carefully and reliably.

7.Know your craft's carrying capacity, and how added loads affect boat handling in whitewater. Most rafts have a minimum crew size which can be added to on day trips or in easy rapids. Carrying more than two paddlers in an open canoe when running rapids Is not recommended.

7. Know your vessel's ability to transport and how to control ships that are overloaded in white water. In a day of activity or a simple rapids, most ships have a limit to increase people. It is not recommended that open ships carry more than two people in the rapids.

8.Car-top racks must be strong and attach positively to the vehicle. Lash your boat to each crossbar, then tie the ends of the boats directly to the bumpers for added security. This arrangement should survive all but the most violent vehicle accident.

8. The roof rack must be properly and firmly stabilized in the car. Each time you go through the buffer ramp, you bundle up your boat and then fasten the boat directly to the buffer to increase safety. These arrangements will make everyone survive after a serious traffic accident.

III. Group Preparedness and Responsibility

three. Team preparation and responsibility

1.Organization. A river trip should be regarded as a common adventure by all participants, except on uctional or market guided trips as defined below. Participants share the responsibility for the conduct of the trip, and each participant is simply responsible for judging his or Participants are encouraged (but are not obligated) to offer advice and guidance for the independent consideration and judgment of others.

1. The team. A river trip can be seen as an ordinary adventure consisting of all participants. Except for educational or commercial guidelines like travel under similar definitions. Participation all share responsibility for the conduct in the journey. And each participant is responsible for judging his or her own ability and safety during the journey. Participants are encouraged (but not obliged) to make suggestions and counseling for the team to consider or judge.

2.River Conditions. The group should have a reasonable knowledge of the difficulty of the run. Participants should evaluate this information and adjust their plans accordingly. If the run is exploratory or no one is familiar with the river, maps and guidebooks, if available ,, should be examined. The group should secure accurate flow information; the more difficult the run, the more important this will be. Be aware of possible changes in river level and how this will affect the difficulty of the run. If the trip relates tidal Stretches, secure appropriate information on tides.

2. The river situation. The team should have reasonable knowledge of difficult river sections. Participants should evaluate the river's information and adjust the plan accordingly. If the itinerary is an adventure, or if you are not familiar with the river, map or guide, it should be verified if possible. The team should obtain accurate flow conditions; the more difficult the itinerary, the more important these intelligences are. Pay attention to possible changes in river levels and how it will affect the trip. If high tides occur during the trip, get the correct information of the tide.

The group may always include a throw-line available, and one line per boat is recommended on difficult runs. The list may include: carabiners, prussic loops, first aid kit, Flashlight, folding saw, fire starter, guidebooks, maps, food, extra clothing, and any other rescue or survival items suggested by conditions. Each item is not required on every run, and this list is not meant to be a substitute for good judgment .

3. The team's equipment must be suitable for difficult rivers. The team must always have available throwing ropes, and on difficult journeys it is recommended to have one rope per boat. The list of equipment includes: quick-hanging, prussic knots (to understand what prussic loop please refer to the following website: http://?a_id=511), medical kit, flash, folding saw, ignition gear, guide, map, food, Extra clothing. If conditions allow, bring any other rescue or survival supplies. Each item is not required on every trip, but it does not mean that they can be replaced by good judgment.

4.The the group compact, but maintain sufficient spacing to avoid collisions. If the group is large, consider dividing into smaller groups or using the “buddy system” as an additional safeguard. Space yourselves closely enough to permit good communication, but not so Close as to interfere with one another in rapids.

When in front, do not get in over your head. Stop and scout.

II. Keep track of all group members. Each boat keeps the one behind it in sight, stopping if necessary. Know how many people are in your group and take head-counts regularly. No one should paddle ahead or walk out without first informing the Group. Paddlers requiring additional support should stay at the center of a group, and not allow themselves to lag behind in the more difficult rapids. If the group is large and contains a wide range of abilities, a “sweep boat” may be designated to Bring up the rear.

Never enter a III.crowded drop or eddy when no room for you exists. Passing other groups in a rapid may be hazardous; it's often safer to wait upstream until the group ahead has passed.

4. Keep the team compact. But keep enough distance to avoid collisions. If the team is large, consider splitting it into smaller teams or using "partnerships" as an additional escort. Keep you at a distance where you can communicate well, but not close enough to interfere with other people in the rapids.

I. The top scorer will always set the normal speed. In the front, it will not exceed the pilot. When you can't see the clear route at the bottom of the water, you can't rush it. For an advanced slasher, besides, determine the route to the next whirlpool. If in doubt, stop and inspect.

II. Follow the trajectory of all members. Each ship follows the ship behind the line of sight and stops if necessary. Know how many people are in your team and make every unit move regularly. There should not be anyone who advances or draws without notifying the team in advance. Servers who need care should stay in the middle of the team, not allowing them to fall behind in the difficult rapids. If the team is large and there are capable people in the team, a "sweeping ship" should be designated to close behind the team.

III. etiquette. In the river, when the slasher prepares to rush down the water, do not jump the queue. Always look up before leaving the vortex. Never enter the crowded drops and whirlpools where there is no room for you to leave. Surpassing other teams in the rapids may be very dangerous, and it is usually safer to wait for the first team to pass first.

5.Float Plan. If the trip is into a wilderness area or for an extended period, plans should be filed with a nsible person who will contact the authorities if you are overdue. It may be wise to establish checkpoints along the way where citizens could Be contacted if necessary. Knowing the location of possible help and planning escape routes can speed rescue.

5. Public plan. If you travel into the wilderness, or if it takes a long time, you should file a planned itinerary for the responsible person. If you arrive late, the person will contact the authorities. If necessary, it would be wise to establish checkpoints along civilized areas along the way. Knowing what is available locally and planning a route to escape will increase the speed of relief.

6.Drugs. The use of alcohol or mind-altering drugs before or during river trips is not recommended. It dulls reflexes, decreases decision-making ability, and may interfere with important survival reflexes.

6. Drugs. Before or during a trip to the river, drinking or using psychoactive drugs is not recommended. It will make you unresponsive, reduce your ability to judge, and hinder important survival.

7.Instructional or conductive guided trips. In contrast to the common adventure trip format, in these trip formats, a boating instructor or commercial guide assumes some of the responsibilities normally exercised by the group as a whole, as appropriate under the circumstances. Fetch that instructional or conductor guided trips may involving participants who lack significant experience in whitewater. However, as a participant acquires experience in whitewater, he or she takes on responsible responsibility for his or her own safety, in accordance with what he or she knows or Should know as a result of that increased experience. Also, as in all trip formats, every participant must realize and assume the risks associated with the serious hazards of whitewater rivers.

7. Educational or commercial guided travel. Compared to ordinary adventure travel modes, in these travel modes, a rowing instructor or business leader will bear some responsibilities, so that the team can properly and completely practice in those environments. These educational or business-guided travel models may carry participants who lack important experience in white water. However, if a participant gains experience in white water, he or she must take more responsibility for their own safety. The number of responsibilities that he or she knows or should know is directly proportional to how much experience is increased. At the same time, all modes are good. In a white river, every participant must understand and share the risks of major dangers.

8.It is advisable for instructors and commercial guides or their employers to acquire trip or personal liability insurance:

I.An "instructional trip" is characterized by a clear teacher/pulic relationship, where the primary purpose of the trip is to teach boating skills, and which is conducted for a fee.

II.A "commercially guided trip" is characterized by a licensed, professional guide conducting trips for a fee.

8. It is advisable for instructors and business leaders or their employers to request travel or personal liability deposits:

I. “Educational travel” is understood as a clear teacher/student relationship, and the main purpose of the journey is to teach rowing skills and should be charged.

II. "Commercially-guided travel" can be understood as the travel of authorized professional tour guides and should be charged.

IV.Universal River Signals

four. Universal River Signal

These signals may be substituted with an alternate set of signals agreed upon by the group.

These signals can be replaced by the set of signals that the team communicates in advance.

Stop

Stop: Potential Hazard Ahead. Wait for "all clear" signal before proceeding, or scout ahead. form a horizontal bar with your outstretched arms. Those seeing the signal should pass it back to others in the party. -

Stop: There is a potential danger ahead. Wait for the "signal to clear the alarm" before proceeding or reconnaissance. Like a hanging bar, straighten the arm to lift the slurry. The person who saw the signal should pass it to other team members.

Help&Emergency

Help/Emergency: Assist the signaler as quickly as possible. Give three long blasts on a police whistle while waving a paddle, helmet or life vest over your head. If a whistle is not available, use the visual signal alone. A whistle is best Carried on a lanyard attached to your life vest.

Raw clothes.

All Clear

All Clear: Come ahead (in the absence of other directions proceeding the center). Form a vertical bar with your paddle or one arm held high above your head. Paddle blade should be turned flat for maximum visibility. To signal direction or a preferred Course through a rapid surrounding obstruction, lower the requested vertical “all clear” by 45 degrees toward the side of the river with the preferred route. Never point toward the obstacle you wish to avoid.

Disarming: Forward (without a fixed direction, going down from the center point), lift the pulp or one arm up to form a vertical line. Pulp board should be adjusted for maximum visibility. The direction of the signal indicates the best passage through the obstacle flow around.

From the previous "disarm" the vertical line moves down to a 45-degree angle to point to the best route. Do not point in the direction of the obstacle you wish to avoid.

Help/emergency: Rescue for help is as quick as possible. While blowing a long, loud alarm whistle, wield a short slurry, helmet, or life jacket over your head. If there is no whistle, only visible signals are used. Whistle is best brought and tied to save

I'm okay

I'm okay: I'm okay and not hurt. While holding the elbow outward toward the side, repeatedly pat the top of your head.

I'm fine: I'm fine and I'm not injured. With your elbows outwards, repeat the pat on your head with your hand.