Kansas City Whitewater Club

RIVER SAFETY Links to River Safety Websites

It is recommended that people who pursue activities on any type of water, whether it be lakes, moving water, or whitewater, read as much as possible about the hazards involved in that sport as well as the hazards of the bodies of water they will be paddling on. The information presented below is barely touching the surface of the many factors involved in paddling a boat on water. Links to websites with greater knowledge have been provided. In addition, many books have been written which provide guidance on specific stretches of rivers and their known hazards. Other books educate people about swiftwater rescue for the recreational paddler. These are better sources of information than this web site can provide. It is advised that readers seek out these sources of information and take appropriate training courses to learn boat control and water safety. Safety is your responsibility.

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Joining a local paddling club, such as the Kansas City Whitewater Club, can provide you with basic boat control classes, closely supervised beginning river trips, and continued access to a network of paddling companions. Responsible paddlers will take instruction courses and learn to control their boat under supervised conditions. These paddlers will progress from easier water to more difficult runs in a closely supervised situation with other responsible and knowledgeable companions. It takes a lot of maturity and consideration for boaters to take these steps in a natural progression. Trying to avoid these safer methods of learning this sport not only jeopardizes yourself, but your paddling companions, by-standers, and professional rescue personnel. Please take advantage of the knowledge of more experienced paddlers and learn to recognize when someone’s advice is less than desirable and learn to avoid those people who would lead you into hazardous situations. Learning to be honest about your ability to control a boat under the conditions being observed is the safest self-preservation tactic needed for this sport. To walk around or away from a river that could hurt or kill you because of your inexperience, is the smart boater’s option. Mature and responsible paddlers will not criticize you for this choice.

People who paddle canoes, kayaks, rafts and other inflatables on lakes and moving water need to learn many safety issues before setting out on an adventure. The numerous hazards presented by mother nature and complicated by man-made hazards, are not always easy to recognize, even by the most experienced paddlers. Experienced paddlers recognize potential hazards and avoiding them by putting in below the hazard or portaging around it when encountered. These same paddlers will even elect not to paddle on a river when water levels, water and air temperature, their resources, abilities, and companions present a dangerous combination. Acquiring this knowledge takes a lot of exposure to similar hazards and the ability to file the information away for later use. The experienced paddlers will see a red flag pop up when encountering a new situation or river feature and take the time to evaluate it before proceeding.

People who undertake paddling adventures must learn basic safety measures for their protection and that of other people encountered. Some of these measures include:

	Learn boat control.
	Always wear a properly-fitting personal flotation device (PFD) approved for the activity you are participating in, while on or near the water.
	Wear a properly fitting helmet in Class III water and above.
	Have the ability to read water. Recognize when a river is rising or in flood stage.
	Learn to roll your canoe or kayak to avoid long swims in whitewater.
	Understand how air and water temperature will affect your body temperature and could possibly lead to hypothermia in case of immersion in the water.
	Have knowledge of the river section you will be attempting:
	- Put-in and take-out points.
	- How many miles in the run.
	- Known hazards on the run and how to avoid them.
	- Location of emergency exit trails.
	Have ability to recognize newly created hazards on the run, such as strainers and man-made debris.
	Travel with two or more other paddlers, preferably all in separate boats.
	Learn basic rescue techniques.
	Carry proper safety equipment for emergencies.
	Do not tie anything to your body which could become entangled and hold you under water.
	Learn CPR and First Aid.
	Wear proper clothing for the conditions that are possible to develop. Carry extra clothing in dry bags.
	Insure that your companions have proper training and clothing for expected conditions.
	Don’t use alcohol or illegal drugs before or during a paddling adventure. Don’t paddle with people who use them while boating either.
	Paddle only with people with an attitude toward safety and responsible boating. The people you choose to paddle with will be your biggest resource for safety and rescue. Choose wisely.

Steve Buschhorn, Wayne Oatman and Marti Irwin Tethered Rescue practice by the KCWC

practice Swiftwater Rescue Techniques at a group.

KCWC sponsored class. Class taught by ACA

certified instructors Bob Behrends and Steve June, 2002. Photos by Lori Gilray.

Buschhorn.