WHITE WATER RAFTING Always ride the river with a
reputable and experienced
river-rafting operator, one who is registered with the South African
River Rafting Association. KZN rivers have an abundance of
waterfalls, cascades and other natural hazards, it is thus important
that your guide or operator is well acquainted and equipped to deal
with these eventualities.
Be sure to inform either one or two of the following: your
accommodation establishment, your friends, your colleagues, your
fellow travellers or your family of exactly where you are going, when
you expect to return, and where to call if you don't.
Ensure that you are always attired in an officially approved
and properly secured and adjusted lifejacket at all times ???? this
applies whether you are in or near the river.
Always carry a generous amount of filtered water. Never drink
from the river.
Your white water skills and experience must be equal to the
river and the conditions, thus ensure that you are adequately trained
and experienced to take on those particular conditions. NEVER EVER
ATTEMPT THE RIVER ON YOUR OWN.
Know your limits of your swimming ability. Learn the details
of the swimmers rescue and self rescue on white water
rivers.
Attempt to reduce the extent of possible injuries by donning
strong, sturdy and protective foot wear as well as the correct type
of clothing designed for white water rafting.
Helmets are required for all expeditions on the river and at
all times. Whether you are a canoeist or a rafter, there are no
exceptions to this rule.
Be prepared for extremes in weather, especially cold. Know
about the dangers of hypothermia and how to deal with it. When air
and water temperature add up to degrees or less, hypothermia is a
high risk.
Know how to recognise the warning signs and early symptoms of
heat exhaustion and dehydration in hot weather. Remember that certain
drugs and medications can exacerbate these types of
conditions.
Learn from your guides, your fellow travellers and the
available literature how to identify and respond to river hazards.
Among them are holes, rocks, submerged boulders, rock sieves, tree
strainers and horizon lines across the river. Some of these hazards
account for the biggest causes of injuries during white water
rafting, so the importance of prior skills and knowledge when dealing
with them can never be underestimated.
Always ensure that at least one member of your party knows
how to administer first aid and is carrying a well-stocked first aid
kit. As an added measure ensure that all members of your party have
learnt some degree of medical aid responsibilities and
CPR.
Snakes are known to be extremely good swimmers and tend to
make their natural habitats along the river amongst the bedrock and
rocky surfaces. Anticipate the unfortunate event of snakebite by
having someone in your party who knows how to deal with such
emergencies if someone is unlucky.
Hippos along the river are a very real threat to your safety.
They are extremely territorial and despite their bulky, almost
cuddly, appearance they can move very fast and are quite fierce to
deal with. Avoid them at all costs. Crocodiles as well, can be very
quick in their attacks relying on the element of surprise to subdue
their victims. To check such conditions along the river, speak to the
Park authorities as well as the locals who live along the river.
Never run a rapid unless you can see a clear path through it.
Watch out for new snags after winter and spring
floods.
Allow the craft ahead of you to pass through a rapid before
you enter it, such a precaution will help avoid a double disaster
should the leading boat block the channel.
The most common problem encountered by people along KZN
rivers is flash flooding. The sudden change in the volume of water
can be a formidable threat to your safety. Ensure that you have good
knowledge of present and forecasted weather conditions before you
venture out on the river.
Always overnight well away from the flood plain surrounding
the river, particularly in the summer months.
When in doubt, stop and scout. If you are still in doubt?
Portage.
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