Five Safety Tips for Water Crossings During Your Hike

Saturday, July 2nd, 2011

When it comes to your water crossings during a hike, one fundamental rule should play itself out: safety comes first. When you’re hiking, your goal is to get from point A to point B. Even if you want to do it with a little adventure, that doesn’t mean you should risk your life. Here are five tips for handling water crossings safely.

Tip #1: Avoid a water crossing when possible.

If there’s a bridge two miles down the river, then you’re going to be hiking to that bridge. The only time you should even think about handling a water crossing yourself that is more than a flowing creek should be when it’s absolutely necessary. This means avoiding the crossing altogether until you can find a bridge or safer, shallower place to cross.

Tip #2: Don’t underestimate the water.

Underestimating the power is one of the most frequent errors of the traveler exposing himself to danger. Whether you’re talking about tides, undertows, or simply water current, water is a force to be reckoned with. Just because you can enjoy a light cup of water doesn’t mean you know the strength of a river. Being safe about a water crossing means having a deep respect for the type of control the water could gain over you if you made the mistake of getting in it.

Tip #3: Scout for a good location.

If you must make a water crossing by yourself, you’ll need to do some reconnaissance first. This means scouting along the river for a narrow, shallow place to cross that doesn’t pose as much danger as other parts of the river. This may cost you some extra time, but the time will be worth it if it saves your life.

Tip #4: If you get caught in the current, float on your back with your legs forward.

Having your legs toward any boulders or jagged rocks that you would potentially drift into will keep your most vital areas – your head and organs – protected. You’ll also be able to use your legs to soften the overall impact. Try to remain calm if you’re in a floating situation.

Tip #5: When you can, try to come up with a solution.

If you can situate yourself on a rock to try and evaluate a way to the nearest side of the water, be sure to do that. Don’t frantically try to outswim the current – instead, see if there’s a way you can get to the closest sure even by using the strength of the current.

These tips don’t cover everything there is to know about water crossings. Remember that the best solution is prevention: even if finding a bridge is an inconvenience, it’s better than crossing yourself.

Photo Credits: Josh Parrish