Staying Safe By The Water

Ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience without unnecessary risks

Staying Safe Near Rivers

Ensuring a fun and enjoyable experience without unnecessary risks

Water Safety Is Important

Water and river safety involves wearing life jackets, understanding risks, knowing entry/exit points, and taking safety courses for activities like kayaking to ensure a safe experience in the river.

Scroll to discover details about the structure of a river, various types of currents, recognizing and preventing hypothermia, the importance of life jacket safety, and more.

The Anatomy of a River

A river’s anatomy typically includes several key features such as the source, which is the origin point of the river, often found in highlands or mountains. As the river flows downstream, it passes through various zones including the upper course, characterized by steep gradients and fast-flowing water, the middle course with gentler slopes and meanders, and the lower course where the river widens and slows down before reaching its mouth, often forming a delta as it empties into a larger body of water like an ocean or a lake.

Understanding these features is important for safety, especially as different parts of the river pose varying risks. The upper course may have rapids and waterfalls that require caution and proper equipment for navigation. In contrast, the middle and lower courses might have calmer waters but could still present hazards such as strong currents, deep pools, or hidden obstacles like submerged rocks and debris.

River Currents

The flow in a river, known as a river current, is the movement of water within its channel. Gravity plays a significant role in this process, pulling water from higher to lower elevations. The speed and intensity of a river current can significantly vary based on factors like the river’s gradient, water volume, and obstacles like rocks or fallen trees in the riverbed.

Unlike ocean currents influenced by winds and tides, river currents are directed by gravity and the riverbed. Rivers, being shallower than oceans, pose more hazards due to gravity’s consistent force. Changes in water level, along with gravity, greatly impact flow speed since water is non-compressible. Higher water levels and steeper slopes result in increased force. Riverbeds differ in soil composition, and stable objects like trees or rocks in the current can create obstacles affecting water flow patterns.

Even seemingly calm waters can conceal strong currents capable of swiftly carrying someone away in shallow water. Rivers and streams, while appearing tranquil, harbor hidden dangers such as powerful undercurrents, obstructive branches, entangling debris, tight spaces between rocks, and slippery riverbeds that may lead to slipping.

Unstable riverbanks, especially after heavy rainfall and floods, pose additional risks. It is important not to underestimate the current’s force or overestimate one’s swimming abilities.

Slide 1
Types of River Currents

River currents can vary significantly based on the river’s characteristics and environmental conditions. Here are some of the different types of river currents and their key features.

Navigate through each slide to immerse yourself in the different types of currents

Slide 1
Laminar Flow

A smooth, orderly flow where water particles move in parallel layers.

Characteristics: Common in slow-moving, deep rivers with smooth beds. Minimal mixing of water layers.

Safety: Generally safe for swimming, but can still have hidden dangers.

Slide 2
Turbulent Flow

Chaotic, irregular flow with swirling eddies and vortices.

Characteristics: Found in faster-moving rivers, especially over rough or rocky beds. High mixing of water layers.

Safety: Can be dangerous due to unpredictable water movement and potential for strong undercurrents.

Slide 3
Eddies

Circular currents that form behind obstructions like rocks or bends in the river.

Characteristics: Water in an eddy moves in a reverse direction to the main current, creating a swirling effect.

Safety: Eddies can be hazardous as they can pull swimmers towards obstructions or hold them in place.

Slide 3
Whirlpools

Powerful, circular currents created by water moving rapidly in a circular motion.

Characteristics: Typically form where strong currents meet obstructions or where water flows over a drop.

Safety: Extremely dangerous for swimmers and boaters due to their strong suction forces.

Slide 3
Rip Currents

Narrow, fast-moving channels of water flowing from the shore out to deeper water.

Characteristics: Common near river mouths and estuaries, where they can pull swimmers away from the shore.

Safety: Swimmers should swim parallel to the shore to escape a rip current rather than trying to swim against it.

Slide 3
Undertows

Subsurface currents that move offshore when waves break on the shore.

Characteristics: Often felt as a strong pull near the bottom, dragging swimmers and objects underwater.

Safety: Can be dangerous if caught unaware; maintaining a calm and floating position can help.

Slide 3
Streamlines

Smooth, directed currents within the main flow of the river.

Characteristics: Often found in the middle of the river where the flow is most direct and uninterrupted.

Safety: Generally safer, but can be strong and fast, especially in deeper sections of the river.

Slide 3
Tidal Currents

Currents influenced by tidal movements, particularly near river mouths and estuaries.

Characteristics: Can change direction and intensity with the tide, leading to complex flow patterns.

Safety: Unpredictable and can change rapidly, making them hazardous for swimmers and boaters.

Slide 3
Flood Currents

Rapidly moving water resulting from heavy rain, snowmelt, or dam releases.

Characteristics: High volume and speed, carrying debris and significantly altering the riverbed.

Safety: Extremely dangerous due to strong, fast-moving water and debris.

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– Changeable and Unpredictable –

Rivers Change

Rivers are changeable and unpredictable, often concealing hidden hazards. Exercise caution before taking action. Be vigilant for hidden obstacles as swimming spots can vary in depth from one summer to the next, and currents can shift submerged items. In proximity to dams, water levels and flows can fluctuate drastically throughout the day, with the potential for sudden massive releases. Riverbanks can become precarious during floods and following heavy rainfall. It is advisable to keep a safe distance from a river during flooding.

Be mindful of the power of nature and always prioritize safety. When planning activities near rivers, it’s essential to stay informed about local conditions and heed any posted warnings or advisories. Wearing a life jacket and never swimming alone are additional precautions that can help ensure your safety. Remember, rivers can be both beautiful and treacherous, so respect their power and enjoy them responsibly.

– Strong Currents –

Rivers Can Be Powerful

Rivers possess great power, characterized by strong currents, suction effects, and deep water, particularly near dams. When wading, having a wading staff provides additional support, allowing you to anticipate obstacles or shifts in the water flow. It’s advisable to have a companion for added safety and assistance.

Rivers lack patrols, so it’s important to never venture into a river unaccompanied. When uncertain, it’s best to avoid entering the water to far. The force exerted by moving water is consistent and formidable, even in seemingly tranquil and slow-moving rivers.

– Stay River Safe –

Swimming In Rivers

Swimming in rivers during the summer can be a wonderful experience if done safely. To ensure the safety of yourself and your friends, it’s important to choose your swimming spot wisely and inspect it each time you swim there. River swimming differs from pool or sea swimming, as river currents can be strong and the riverbed irregular. People often underestimate the river’s power and their own swimming abilities.

Here are some tips to stay safe in rivers:

  • Acquire water safety skills, learn how to assess risks, and improve your swimming abilities.
  • Always swim with a group for added safety.
  • Be vigilant of hazards both in your swimming area and downstream.
  • Avoid mixing swimming with alcohol or drugs.

Follow and respect any warning signs posted in the area.

4,500

Unintentional drowning deaths each year in the US

20-60

Seconds a drowning can happen  Fast and Silent

Top 4

Cause of unintentional deaths up to age 55.

#1

Most teen and adult drownings happen in open water

Cold Water and Hypothermia

Cold water can pose significant risks to those exposed to it, especially during activities such as swimming, boating, or accidental immersion. One of the primary dangers of cold water exposure is hypothermia.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core body temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C). It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Stages of Hypothermia:
  • Mild Hypothermia (90-95°F or 32-35°C):
    • Symptoms: Shivering, cold and pale skin, numbness, lack of coordination, fatigue, confusion.
    • Behavior: The person may seem confused, exhibit slurred speech, and stumble.
  • Moderate Hypothermia (82-90°F or 28-32°C):
    • Symptoms: Intense shivering or cessation of shivering, decreased consciousness, muscle stiffness, slow heart rate, slow breathing.
    • Behavior: The person may become disoriented, irrational, or display unusual behavior.
  • Severe Hypothermia (Below 82°F or 28°C):
    • Symptoms: Shivering stops, extreme confusion, unconsciousness, weak pulse, shallow or no breathing.
    • Behavior: The person may lose consciousness and become unresponsive.
Effects of cold water on the body:
  • Cold Shock Response:
    • Initial Response: Rapid, involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, and increased heart rate.
    • Duration: Lasts 1-3 minutes after immersion.
    • Risks: Gasping underwater can lead to drowning; hyperventilation can cause panic.
  • Incapacitation:
    • Muscle Function: Cold water quickly impairs muscle function, leading to loss of coordination and strength.
    • Duration: Can occur within 10 minutes of immersion.
    • Risks: Inability to swim or tread water, increasing the risk of drowning.
  • Hypothermia:
    • Onset: Can begin within 30 minutes of immersion in cold water.
    • Risks: Progressive loss of body heat leading to unconsciousness and death if not rescued and treated.

 

Prevention and Safety Tips:
  • Wear Appropriate Gear:
    • Life Jackets: Always wear a life jacket, especially in cold water, to help stay afloat and conserve energy.
    • Wetsuits/Drysuits: These provide thermal protection by trapping a layer of water (wetsuit) or air (drysuit) close to the body, which helps retain body heat.
  • Prepare and Plan:
    • Check Weather and Water Conditions: Before engaging in water activities, check the water temperature and weather conditions.
    • Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and accelerates heat loss.
  • Know the Symptoms:
    • Recognize Early Signs: Be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia and act quickly if they occur.
  • Limit Exposure:
    • Time in Water: Limit your time in cold water to reduce the risk of hypothermia.
    • Stay Dry: If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible to help retain body heat.
Tips for Staying Alive in Cold Water and Preventing Hypothermia

Cold water immersion can be life-threatening due to the risk of hypothermia. Here are some essential tips for staying alive and preventing hypothermia:

1. Wear a Life Jacket

  • Buoyancy: A life jacket keeps you afloat without expending energy, essential for survival in cold water.
  • Insulation: Some life jackets provide additional insulation against the cold.

2. Minimize Heat Loss

  • Assume the HELP Position: The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) helps retain body heat. Cross your arms over your chest, pull your knees up to your chest, and remain as still as possible.
  • Huddle with Others: If you’re with others, huddle together to share warmth and reduce heat loss.

3. Stay Calm and Conserve Energy

  • Avoid Panic: Panic accelerates heat loss and increases the risk of drowning. Try to remain calm and focus on survival strategies.
  • Minimal Movement: Excessive movement increases heat loss. Float or tread water gently if necessary.

4. Protect Your Airway

  • Keep Your Head Above Water: Cold water can cause gasping reflex and hyperventilation. Keep your head above water to avoid inhaling water.
  • Face Windward: Position yourself so waves and wind don’t splash water into your face.

5. Use Available Insulation

  • Clothing: Keep your clothes on. Layers can provide some insulation even when wet.
  • Items on Hand: Use any available floating or insulating materials (e.g., debris, cooler lids) to help stay afloat and insulated.

6. Stay with the Boat or Floating Object

  • Visibility: A boat or large floating object is more visible to rescuers.
  • Reduced Effort: Holding onto something helps conserve energy and body heat.

7. Signal for Help

  • Use a Whistle or Shout: If you have a whistle, use it to signal for help. Shouting should be used sparingly to conserve energy.
  • Reflective Surfaces: Use reflective surfaces or bright colors to attract attention.

8. Get Out of the Water if Possible

  • Climb Onto a Floating Object: If there’s anything you can climb onto, get out of the water to reduce heat loss.
  • Shore or Rescue Platform: If close to shore or a rescue platform, attempt to reach it.
What to do if someone develops Hypothermia:
  1. Remove from Cold:
    • Immediate Action: Get the person out of the cold water and to a warm, sheltered environment as quickly as possible.
  1. Remove Wet Clothing:
    • Dry and Warm: Remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm clothing or blankets.
  1. Gradual Rewarming:
    • Warm Environment: Use blankets, warm clothing, and a warm environment to gradually rewarm the person. Avoid direct heat, such as hot water or heating pads, as these can cause rapid changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
  1. Warm Drinks:
    • Hydration: If the person is conscious, provide warm (not hot) drinks to help raise their body temperature. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
  1. Monitor and Seek Help:
    • Medical Attention: Monitor the person’s condition closely and seek medical attention immediately, even if they appear to be recovering.

Emergency Actions

  • CPR: If the person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until medical help arrives.
  • Call for Help: Dial emergency services immediately if you suspect someone has severe hypothermia.

The Importance of a Life Jacket

Life jackets are essential safety devices designed to keep individuals afloat in the water, significantly reducing the risk of drowning. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a swim, a life jacket provides buoyancy, making it easier to stay above water even if you become tired or encounter strong currents.

Life jackets come in various sizes and styles to fit people of all ages and activities, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. It’s important to choose a life jacket that fits properly; a well-fitted life jacket will not only be more comfortable but also more efficient in an emergency.

Additionally, wearing a life jacket sets a positive example for others, especially children, and promotes a culture of safety. It shows that you take water safety seriously and encourages others to do the same. Remember, accidents can happen unexpectedly, and wearing a life jacket can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Next time you head out on the water, make sure you have your life jacket on—it could save your life.

The Importance of a Life Jacket

Life jackets are essential safety devices designed to keep individuals afloat in the water, significantly reducing the risk of drowning. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying a swim, a life jacket provides buoyancy, making it easier to stay above water even if you become tired or encounter strong currents.

Life jackets come in various sizes and styles to fit people of all ages and activities, ensuring comfort and effectiveness. It’s important to choose a life jacket that fits properly; a well-fitted life jacket will not only be more comfortable but also more efficient in an emergency.

Additionally, wearing a life jacket sets a positive example for others, especially children, and promotes a culture of safety. It shows that you take water safety seriously and encourages others to do the same. Remember, accidents can happen unexpectedly, and wearing a life jacket can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

Next time you head out on the water, make sure you have your life jacket on—it could save your life.

How to Fit a Life Jacket

Life jackets are designed to support the body in water, ensuring that even if someone is unconscious or exhausted, they can remain afloat. They are made from materials like foam or inflatable chambers that trap air, adding to their ability to keep someone buoyant. Additionally, life jackets are usually brightly colored and often come with reflective strips, making it easier for rescuers to spot individuals in the water. By distributing the body’s weight and keeping the airways clear, life jackets play an important part in water safety, giving people a better chance of surviving until help arrives.

Quick Fit Guide

Check Label

check the life jacket label for the appropriate weight or chest size

Put Life Jacket On

check the life jacket for wear and tear, rips and missing or broken parts

Buckle or Zip Straps

make sure all straps are buckled and zippers zipped

Check Fit

if jacket rides above the ears-to big, if straps & zippers don’t close- to small

How to Fit a Life Jacket

Life jackets are designed to support the body in water, ensuring that even if someone is unconscious or exhausted, they can remain afloat. They are made from materials like foam or inflatable chambers that trap air, adding to their ability to keep someone buoyant. Additionally, life jackets are usually brightly colored and often come with reflective strips, making it easier for rescuers to spot individuals in the water. By distributing the body’s weight and keeping the airways clear, life jackets play an important part in water safety, giving people a better chance of surviving until help arrives.

Quick Fit Guide

Check Label

check the life jacket label for the appropriate weight or chest size

Put Life Jacket On

check the life jacket for wear and tear, rips and missing or broken parts

Buckle or Zip Straps

make sure all straps are buckled and zippers zipped

Check Fit

if jacket rides above the ears-to big, if straps & zippers don’t close- to small

Types of Life Jackets

Life Jacket Myths

Embedded Iframe

No Matter Where You Are

Life Jacket Loaner Station Map

Life jacket loaner stations operate on the honor system and play an important role in ensuring safety within local communities. Individuals in need of a life jacket can borrow one, but it must be returned for others to use.

These stations are often strategically placed near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and beaches to maximize accessibility. By providing free access to life-saving equipment, they not only promote water safety but also foster a sense of community responsibility and trust.

No Matter Where You Are

Life Jacket Loaner Station Map

Life jacket loaner stations operate on the honor system and play an important role in ensuring safety within local communities. Individuals in need of a life jacket can borrow one, but it must be returned for others to use.

These stations are often strategically placed near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and beaches to maximize accessibility. By providing free access to life-saving equipment, they not only promote water safety but also foster a sense of community responsibility and trust.

Embedded Iframe

If You Find Yourself Floating The River

If you ever find yourself stranded in a river, it’s important to remain calm. Here are some tips to improve your odds of survival and a successful rescue.

If You Find Yourself Floating The River

If you ever find yourself stranded in a river, it’s important to remain calm. Here are some tips to improve your odds of survival and a successful rescue.

Add a subheading

By staying calm, conserving energy, and using these strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of survival if stuck floating in a river. Always prioritize safety and be prepared for unexpected situations when engaging in water activities.

Additional Online Resources

More resources are available to enhance your understanding of the significance of venturing into river waters.

Survival Swimming

If you end up being swept down a river you need to Survival Swim

Swimming in Rivers

Many people do not understand the force of water in a river.

Water Safety Code

Before you enter the water get familiar with the Water Safety Code.

Additional Online Resources

More resources are available to enhance your understanding of the significance of venturing into river waters.

Survival Swimming

If you end up being swept down a river you need to Survival Swim

Swimming in Rivers

Many people do not understand the force of water in a river.

Water Safety Code

Before you enter the water get familiar with the Water Safety Code.

Red Cross

The American Red Cross shares information on water safety and swimming in open water.

Water Safety
Swimming in Open Water

UC Davis Health

UC Davis Health wrote an article about how to stay safe when swimming in rivers and lakes.

Water Safety – Tips to stay safe when swimming in rivers and lakes

CDC

The CDC shares information on healthy swimming in oceans, lakes, and rivers.

How to safely visit oceans, lakes, and rivers
Preventing Drowning
Guidelines to Healthy and Safe Swimming

Water Safety USA

Water Safety USA collaborates to enhance  individual organizational efforts to promote water safety and prevent drowning.

Water Safety USA Home Page
Life Jacket Safety

National Park Service

The National Park Service’s wrote a couple articles about river and stream safety and the importance of a life jacket.

River and Stream Safety
Stay Afloat – Always Were A Life Jacket

US Coast Guard

The US Coast Guard Water Safety Division aims to offer water enthusiasts information to enhance their understanding.

Boat Responsibly 
Life Jacket Wear

Wear It

Wear It is a safe boating campaign focused on educating water goers to wear a life jacket while on the water.

Wear It Home Page
Life Jacket Information

Oregon State Marine Board

Oregon’s recreational boating agency with the mission to ensure safety & provide services to boaters.

Oregon State Marine Board Home Page
All About Life Jackets

NDPA

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance is reducing the incidence of drowning and preventing tragedy around water.

NDPA Home Page
Drowning Facts