March 09, 2022 5 min read

White water rafting is a popular activity for those who love an adrenaline rush. Always be prepared for any water activity and bring the right supplies.

But what do you do if you fall out of the raft while river rafting?

The following is our guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation on your trips.

If you find yourself falling out of a raft while white water rafting, there are a few things you can do to save yourself.

Remain calm and do not panic. If you can, try to get back into the raft. If that is not possible, try to swim to the nearest shore and hold onto a rock or tree until help arrives.

Do not try to swim against the current.

Please keep reading our article to find out how often people fall out while white water rafting, the best seat to pick in the white water raft, the common injuries, and how to get back into the raft in case you fall out.

How Often Do People Fall Out of the White Water Raft When White Water Rafting?

White water rafting is a thrilling experience that can provide hours of excitement for those who participate. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks involved in this activity and the importance of a quality rafting gear.

One of the most common risks is falling out of the raft. This can happen when the raft hits a rapid and bumps the passengers around or when a passenger gets up to move around and loses balance. It is also possible for a passenger to fall out when the raft makes a sudden turn. A study by the American Whitewater Association found that people fall out of rafts 5% of the time.

rafting on white water

What's the Best Seat to Pick White Water Rafting?

If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, white water rafting is the perfect activity for you. However, with so many different rapids to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for you. This blog post will give you our top tips for choosing the best seat to pick white water rafting.

There is no definitive answer as everyone's preferences will differ. However, some general tips can be offered to help make the decision easier. Firstly, consider the location of the rapids. If they are located in the center of the river, then a seat in the back of the raft is typically a good choice, as it gives the rider a better view of the rapids and allows them to navigate the boat. If the rapids are closer to the side of the river, then a seat in the front of the raft may be a better option, as this will give the rider more of a sense of control. Additionally, consider the level of excitement you want to experience while white water rafting.

What Happens if You Fall Out of the White Water Boat While White Water Rafting? Do You Need a Guide?

If you are rafting with a commercial outfitter or a whitewater rafting company, your guide will have extensive first aid and rescue training. They will also be carrying a first-aid kit. If you fall out of your raft, your guide will do everything possible to rescue you. If you are rafting on your own or with a group of friends, you should have a first-aid kit with you. In addition, you should know how to perform basic first aid.

No one falls out of a raft on purpose, but if it happens, you'll want to know what to do. If you're in a raft that's more than 4 feet wide and there are more than 4 people in the raft, the best thing to do is to stay in the raft. If you're in a raft that's less than 4 feet wide, or if there are only 2 or 3 people in the raft, then you should get out of the raft and swim to the shore. Whichever option you choose, remember to stay calm and don't panic.

Conclusion

White water rafting is a popular outdoor activity, but it can be dangerous. Participants can fall out of the raft and into the water. If this happens, what should you do? We hope you found the answer in our article on what to do if you fall out of the raft while white water rafting and how to get back on.

People Also Wondered

What are the most common injuries in whitewater rafting?

Whitewater rafting is a popular outdoor activity that people of all ages enjoy. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with this sport, including the possibility of getting injured. Injuries can occur due to contact with rocks or other obstacles in the river, or from a fall into the water. The most common injuries in whitewater rafting are cuts, bruises, and sprains. It is important to be aware of these risks and take the necessary precautions before embarking on a rafting trip.

According to the American Whitewater Association, the most common injuries in whitewater rafting are to the head, neck, and spine. These injuries can be caused by collisions with objects in the river, such as rocks, or thrown from the raft. Other common injuries include hypothermia.

How do you get back into a raft and out of the river?

If you do fall out of your raft while on the water, don't panic! Stay calm and follow these steps to get back in:

  • Get back to the raft as quickly as possible.
  • Try to get back in the same way you fell out. If you can't, swim to the raft.
  • If you're in the white-water, climb onto the raft. If you're in the white water boat, help the other person climb in.
  • Hold onto the raft and paddle to the nearest shore.

What to do if you fall off white water rafting?

No one expects to fall out of a raft while they are on their water rafting trip, but it can happen. If you do find yourself in the water, don't panic. Follow these steps to make sure you stay protected. First, remain calm and keep your head above water. If you can, try to get back in the raft. If that's not possible, grab onto the nearest raft or bobber.

If you're unable to do either of those things, try to swim to the nearest bank. Don't try to swim against the current. If you can't make it to the bank, float downstream until you reach safety. Use caution when walking on the shore as there may be hazards such as rocks or logs.

There is a right and wrong way to handle yourself if you fall out of a white water raft. You can panic and lose control in the wrong way, leading to serious injury. The right way to handle a fall out of a white water raft is to stay calm and take action. If you can, swim to the surface and take a breath. If you cannot reach the surface, tuck your chin into your chest, keep your body flat, and use a breaststroke to get to the surface.

Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


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