River Safety
RIVER SAFETY
River safety on a multi-week river trip is one of the most important aspects of an enjoyable Grand Canyon river trip.
The Colorado River through Grand Canyon is different than most other rivers and some safety techniques may be particularly applicable to the Grand. The rapids you will encounter are generally friendly to swimmers but the Colorado is such a big cold river that it is often hard to get to someone quickly. The shore is usually a long ways away. Hypothermia is a concern and flush drownings, especially where there are existing medical conditions, can occur.
The following Chapters on river safety owe their roots to Gary Jones, a formally river rescue trained and experienced river rescue participant. Thanks Gary!
This section covers on-the-river safety to be done in camp the evening before each river day.
This chapter covers who is in charge of river safety, your role, the Boatman's role, and the Trip Leader's role.
This chapter covers types of life jackets, their condition and the fitting of life jackets.
This chapter covers such things as practicing with a throw bag and getting into the boat from the water.
Communicating on the river without using your voice is an important skill, and should be reviewed at the start of your trip. There are various signaling techniques, including using Hand Signals , Whistles and Hand Held Radios . Your group should agree on what certain signals mean. This section covers some basic signals. Your group may modify these signals, but be consistent within your group, and practice your signaling.
This chapter has information on orienting yourself on the boat, and discusses high-siding.
This chapter has information on how not to miss lunch and camp.
This chapter has information on how to swim in a cold hydraulic river, and how to help your rescuers get you out of the river.
This chapter is a discussion of flip-lines.
This chapter covers topics like finding yourself under the boat, how to swim a rapid, where to be around a flipped boat, and how to get a flipped boat to shore.
This chapter talks about communication, multi-person rescue and team work.
This chapter talks about how to protect from the sun while on the boat and how to distribute prescription medications, among other things.
This chapter talks about inner space care. This is just as important as getting a swimmer out of the water.
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