SHOOTING
THE
RAPIDS: WHAT
TO KNOW
By Sainamyen
To get excited and remain safe when you shoot
the rapids, you are required to do as follows.
1. White-water rafting is not an activity
that you can do by yourself. You need to contact
a rafting operator with TAT licence, consider
conditions and terms, check itineraries, insurance
and safety equipment and then go with a guide.
2. Safety is of paramount importance in shooting
the rapids. Life jackets and helmets must
be worn at all times. Always concentrate on
the guide's advice for your safety.
3. Most white-water rafting places are located
in the vicinity of fragile water sources,
thus, a permission must be granted before
entering the sites. Rafting operators usually
are responsible for this.
4. Shorts and t-shirts are suitable clothes
to wear. They should be light and easy to
dry. Sport sandal shoes with straps are excellent
to prevent the swift current flushing your
shoes away. If you have to trek very far,
bring a pair of sneakers along. In the cool
season (around November-January), do not forget
a windproof jacket.
5. Clothing, camping equipment, cameras and
other belongings should be kept in plastic
bags or water-resistant bags. Pack only necessary
items.
6. If you have to eat or cook meals during
the rafting course, you should choose easy-to-prepare
recipes. Avoid canned food, foam utensils
and plastic bottles. When moving camp, try
your best to make that area as clean as its
original condition.
7. Keep fit and bring first-aid kit and medicine.
What
to do when you fall into the river
1. Try to swim to the rubber boat
or to the river bank as soon as possible
to protect your body from the strong current
and rocks.
2. Manage yourself to lie on your back and
raise both legs to the surface of the water.
This will allow your life jackets to float
effectively. While you are drifting down
the current, try to get both legs forward.
Slowly kick your legs to reduce the current
speed.
3. Do not bend your knees or lie face downward
as your body might be hurt by underwater
rocks.
4. If you cannot swim to the bank, stay
calm and do as mentioned above. Then find
a stable rock or tree to hold on to and
wait for rescue.
