Water Safety

By David Starkweather

Troop 237 was camped on the shores of Cache Creek. Its site was on the inside of a sharp bend in the river. The scouts spotted rapids followed by a deep eddy-hole, and also evidence of a very strong undercurrent about thirty feet offshore. This convinced the troop leaders to be serious about Safe Swim Defense because of the possible dangers that can occur on any water trip. Determining depths and bottom conditions, posting guards and a lookout, delineating safe swimming zones, classifying each swimmer by ability and, especially, using the buddy system are all parts of having a safe water trip.

Learning Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat was quick, easy, and effective. The Troop had fun, especially when it came to squirt guns.

The next morning during a pre-breakfast swim, the troop put into action the basic principles of Safe Swim Defense. The scouts were able to pull out a neighboring camper who otherwise would have been swept down river.

The message is learn how to be safe on and in the water. Sign up for the council and district courses on Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat and indicate your water safety qualifications when you file your tour permit applications.

Here are a few tips to be aware of when participating in a "Whitewater or River Rescue":

Whitewater Safety:

• All participants should pass the BSA Basic Swimming Test as a "swimmer."
• Never boat alone.
• Wear a life jacket at all times, and a helmet if upsets are likely.
• Know the classification of white water rapids. Scout all Class IV rapids. Portage all Class V rapids. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure you can run it or swim it safely.
• Know river conditions and how to deal with white water hazards: high/fast water, cold water, strainers, holes, hydraulics, wrapping and pinning. Avoid these hazards wherever possible.
• Carry throw lines: one each on the lead and follow-on crafts. Learn to place lines effectively, to throw accurately, to belay effectively and to properly handle a rope thrown to you.
• Commercially or professionally guided trips: Be assured that these outfitters are equipped and will instruct in all safety procedures.
• Any outfitter used by BSA units should provide assurance that it subscribes to and practices the White Water Safety Code of the American Whitewater Association.

River Rescue:

• Know self-rescue, including escape from an over-turned craft.
• Evacuate your boat immediately if there is imminent danger of being trapped against rocks, brush or any other kind of strainer.
• If you swamp, hold onto your boat by going to the upstream end. If possible climb on top of a swamped craft and paddle to shore.
• Release your swamped craft if it will improve your chances, especially in cold water or dangerous rapids. Attempt self-rescue by swimming to safety.
• When swimming in shallow or obstructed rapids lie on your back with feet held high and pointed downstream. Do not stand in fast moving water; you can wedge your legs on bottom rocks.