With spring in full-swing, it's the perfect time to start planning some warm weather adventures. Summer vacations haven't officially gotten underway, which means you can beat the crowds by heading out for some fun right now. If you haven't ever been river rafting, now's the time to take advantage of the warmer weather, and the smaller crowds. River rafting is a great way to see mountain scenery that you wouldn't get to enjoy any other way. Since this will be your first time in a river raft, it's crucial that you take some extra precautions. Here are three simple precautions you can take that will help you stay safe on the river.
1. Keep the Protective Gear On
When you're in a river raft, the most important thing you can do is keep your protective gear on at all times. You may think that you swim well enough to take your life vest off, but it's not about swimming. It's all about keeping your head up out of the water should you get tossed in. You may think that your protective helmet is uncomfortable, but it will protect your head from serious injuries should you get tossed into the water. It will also help protect everyone in the boat against head injuries caused by bumping heads during the whitewater portion of the ride.
2. Be Prepared for the Cold Water
The weather may be warm right now, but that doesn't mean the water will be warm. In fact, the chances are good that the water will still be freezing, especially if there's still snow in the higher elevations. To protect yourself from the cold water, be sure to wear a wet suit for your river rafting adventure. It's also important that you wear a splash jacket and water shoes. If you don't have access to a wet suit, contact your river rafting adventure company that you're working with. They'll have outer wear that you can rent for your trip.
3. Pay Attention to the Safety Training
Before you embark on your adventure, your rafting guide will provide you with plenty of safety training. It's crucial that you pay attention to the entire training session. Your guide is going to teach you everything you need to know to keep you safe on the raft. If you're not paying attention, you won't know what to do when the guide starts yelling out commands. Unfortunately, not being prepared for the voice commands can land you in the water, which is not where you want to be.