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River Crossing Safety
Tips
George G.
Spearing
River crossings
can be deceptively hazardous. Even a very shallow swiftly flowing body of water
can pack enough force to 'skittle' the unwary. If you cannot walk at the speed
of a stick thrown into the river, or if the river is swift and above knee
height, then it could be hazardous to cross. If a river is in flood, then wait
for it to subside. If in doubt as to whether a river is safe to cross, then find
an alternative route.
Here are some methods for water crossings...
Crossing Alone
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If possible, view the
river from above to identify the shallowest point and smoothest area of river
bed possible, avoiding submerged snags, boulders etc. Do not attempt a
crossing if large pieces of debris (logs, branches, etc.) are being carried
downstream.
-
Keep your boots on. Wet
boots are preferable to damaged ankles or feet. Do not cross wearing long
pants, these will increase resistance to the current. Release the waist and
chest strap on your pack before crossing. This way you will be able to free
yourself quickly if you lose your footing or find yourself in a position where
your pack is snagged and holding you down. It's also well to remember that
your pack has a certain amount of buoyancy and can serve as a flotation device
if necessary.
-
Generally, the safest area
to cross will be a straight section between bends in a river. If you imagine
the river in the shape of the letter 'S' then the safest area to cross will be
the middle of the 'S' between the bends. That way, if you should lose your
footing, hopefully the current will carry you into the bank on one of the
bends. Always look for the best 'run off' section of a river that will carry
you to a safe point and not into danger if you lose your footing.
-
Use a strong pole or stick
about five or six feet in length as support, placing it on your upstream side
so that the current forces it into the bottom. Always keep two points
of contact on the river bed at all times and cross diagonally downstream,
resisting the current much like you
would a strong wind.
Take shuffling footsteps, feeling for the bottom. Try not to look down at the
flowing water as this may upset your equilibrium, look ahead for the best
possible route. Resist the temptation to grab at submerged or semi submerged
rocks in transit, as this may upset your balance.
Crossing in a
party
-
Members of the party stand
in line abreast, each placing their hands behind the back of the person on
either side of them and grasping the lower part of that persons pack
shoulder strap. (or clothing if no pack is worn) This will 'interlock' the
party. If a pack does not have a quick release buckle on the hip belt, then
the hip belt should be left undone and clothing grasped instead.
-
Enter the water parallel
to the current, with the strongest member of the party in the upstream
position, this will break the flow for the others. Move with the upstream
person just slightly ahead of the next person downstream and so on down the
line. If a member of the party should break away during the crossing, the
remaining members should maintain formation and either back out, or complete
the crossing before attempting a rescue if necessary. Ensure that important
items are stowed in waterproof areas of your pack. (Plastic rubbish bags make
good pack liners)
If you lose your footing
and are carried away, release your pack but hold onto it. Float with your head
upstream, this will allow you to fend off from any obstacles with your feet.
Remember, flowing water is deceptively strong. Do not view river crossings
lightly.
Method for gauging the width
of a river (or gorge)
-
Sight a point 'A' on the
opposite bank.
-
Place a marker 'B' into
the bank directly opposite.
-
Walk at right angles for a
known number of paces and then place another marker 'C'
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Continue for another equal
number of paces and then place another marker 'D'
-
Turn at right angles away
from the river and marker 'D' and keep moving back until your second marker
'C' and the point 'A' on the other side of the river are in line. The
distance from here back to 'D' will give a good approximation of the width of
the river/gorge.
George Spearing is the author of, “Dances With Marmots – A Pacific
Crest Trail Adventure” ISBN:1411656180 http://www.danceswithmarmots.com
Outdoor experiences include thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail, (Mexico
to Canada) and thru-hikes of Great Britain, and the North Island of New
Zealand.
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