1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Head Above Water

The first thing to remember if you fall out of a raft is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Take a deep breath and remember that you have time to react. Your goal is to stay afloat and keep your head above water.

• Float on Your Back: If you’re in fast-moving water, keep your body on your back, with your feet pointing downstream and your head raised. This position helps you stay buoyant and allows you to see where you're going.
• Use Your Paddles for Balance: If you still have your paddle, hold it in front of you to help with stability.

Remember, the key is to keep your head above water at all times, which will allow you to breathe and assess your surroundings.

2. Keep Your Feet Up and Avoid Obstacles

If you’re caught in fast-moving water, one of the most important things to do is to keep your feet up and avoid hitting any obstacles like rocks, branches, or other debris.

• Feet First: Keep your feet pointed forward, above the surface, so that you don’t get caught on rocks or underwater obstacles.
• Stay Loose: Avoid tensing up your body as this can make it harder to maneuver in the water. Stay relaxed and let the current carry you, while remaining vigilant of potential hazards.

By keeping your feet up, you’ll reduce the risk of injury and stay safer while being carried downstream.

3. Swim Towards the Raft

If you’re able to regain control and swim, try to make your way back to the raft. Use the following techniques to get back to safety:

• Swim with the Current: If you’re not too far from the raft, swim with the current towards it. Don’t fight the current, as it can wear you out.
• Use the “Dead Man’s Float”: If you’re struggling to swim against the current, use the dead man’s float technique: lay back, keep your head above the water, and let the current guide you towards the raft.

It’s important to stay as close to the raft as possible and signal to your fellow rafters if you’re struggling.

4. Signal for Help if Needed

In certain circumstances, it may be impossible to swim back to the raft or to a safe shore. If this happens, signaling for help is crucial:

• Use Your Whistle: If you have a whistle, blow it loudly to alert your rafting crew or nearby paddlers that you need assistance.
• Wave Your Arms: If you’re not wearing a whistle, waving your arms above your head can help draw attention from your fellow rafters.

Always make sure to carry safety gear such as a whistle and life jacket before going on the river. This equipment is essential in case you fall out of the raft and need to signal for help.

5. Follow the Safety Protocols of Your Rafting Company

Every rafting company has its own set of safety protocols in place. These guidelines are designed to keep you safe while navigating the river, and it’s important to follow them to ensure your safety:

• Listen to Your Guide: Before hitting the water, make sure you understand your rafting guide's safety instructions.
• Wear Your Life Jacket: Always wear a life jacket that fits properly. A life jacket is one of the best ways to ensure you stay safe if you fall out of the raft.

If you’re part of a guided rafting trip, your guide is trained to assist you in the event of a fall. Trust their expertise and follow their instructions for a safe experience.

6. Stay Close to the Rafting Group

If you’re rafting in a group, try to stay together. This will not only improve the overall experience but also ensure that help is nearby if needed.

• Stay Within Arm’s Reach: Rafting in groups allows you to keep an eye on each other and offer assistance when someone falls out.
• Safety First: Always make sure your group is familiar with proper raft safety protocols and is prepared to react if someone falls out.

Staying with your group makes it easier to get help quickly and stay safe in case of emergencies.

Conclusion

Falling out of a raft can be a startling experience, but knowing what to do can help you stay calm and safe. By keeping your head above water, swimming towards the raft, and following your guide’s instructions, you can manage the situation and get back to the raft with ease. Remember, preparation is key when rafting—wear your life jacket, know the safety protocols, and always be aware of your surroundings.

At Adventure Sports, we prioritize safety in all of our rafting trips. Our experienced guides ensure you have a thrilling yet safe adventure on the water. Contact us today to book your next rafting experience and learn more about how we keep you safe while you explore the best rivers in the region.