River Safety & Trip Planning

Safety Tips

• Wear a lifejacket at all times, particularly in moving water. (Children under 10 are required to wear life jackets of an appropriate size on boats under 18 feet.)
• Be prepared to swim. If the water looks too hazardous to swim, then don't boat on it!
• If you capsize, hold on to your boat unless it presents a life-threatening situation. If floating in current, position yourself on the upstream side of the capsized boat.
• Dress properly and bring an extra change of clothing with you in a waterproof bag. Wetsuits or drysuits should be worn when water and air temperatures combined equal less than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Neoprene shoes or tennis shoes with woolen socks are recommended footwear.
• Remember: Never boat over lowhead dams.
• Portage (carry) around any section of water about which you feel uncertain.
• Avoid overexertion and guard against extreme weather conditions.
• File a "float plan" with a reliable person indicating where you are going and when you will leave and return. Remember to contact the person once you have returned safely.
• Never boat alone.
• Do not overload or unevenly load your craft.
• Do not attempt to stand or walk in swift moving water.

International Scale of River Difficulty

A classification scale for swift water has been developed by the American Whitewater Affiliation. This scale rates rivers on a classification of I to VI in boating difficulty.

The scale takes into account river conditions, hazards, availability for rescue and temperatures. Most of Ohio's streams are rated Class I and II, but flooding may change the stream's rating to a higher classification. Boaters should have advanced paddling skills to attempt any stream over Class II.

Class I: few riffles and small waves; easy boating

Class II: waves up to three feet with wide channels; easy rapids

Class III: high, irregular waves with narrow passages; requires scouting and constant maneuvering

Class IV: long, difficult rapids with constricted passages in turbulent water; scouting necessary, rescue difficult

Class V: difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes; scouting must be done from shore; rescue is so difficult it presents a hazard to life

Class VI: the most dangerous rapids; boating is nearly impossible and is life-threatening

Other environmental factors may change a stream's rating to a higher classification:

• Dam releases causing a water level of a full stream bank or out of banks (flooding). This may occur very quickly.
• Cold weather or cold water (extra safety precautions are needed when the water temperature drops below 50 degrees F).
• Absence of a nearby road and/or geographic terrain which makes a rescue and evacuation difficult.

Potential Hazards

In order to have a safe trip, the boater must be aware of the various types of hazards that he or she may encounter while on a stream. The following hazards are not particular to any stream, but are those which are most commonly found.

LOWHEAD DAMS AND WATERFALLS: Know the location of all lowhead dams and waterfalls on the river that you plan to boat. Under no circumstances should you attempt to boat over a dam. Small dams can look harmless, particularly in swollen streams, but they are very dangerous because of the turbulence or hydraulic which may form at the base of the dam. Boats as well as people may become trapped in this hydraulic. Carry your boat around the hazard and launch at a safe distance downstream from all dams. Waterfalls should also be scouted and portaged. If possible, scout a river or stream in advance of any boating trip and plan your trip to avoid any dams or river obstructions.

STRAINERS: River obstructions that allow water to flow through them, but which block or "strain" people and boats, are known as "strainers". They are frequently found in the form of overhanging branches and limbs, log jams and flooded islands. All strainers should be avoided, especially in swift water.

FLOODS AND SWIFT WATER: Paddlers should never boat on streams with water spilling out of the banks. High water causes hazards such as lowhead dams to become even more dangerous. Unseen obstacles such as floating logs or submerged trees may also threaten a boater. Flood levels are monitored throughout the state and river warnings may be issued by the Division of Watercraft. River warnings and flood information are made available to boaters through public TV and radio, or by contacting any Watercraft office.

HYPOTHERMIA is the lowering of the body's core temperature. It is commonly caused by cold water, but may also be hastened by chilling winds and perspiration. When air and water temperatures combined do not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia becomes a hazard. Boaters should be prepared for cold air and water by dressing properly, i.e., wetsuits and woolen clothing. Every boater should be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia and be knowledgeable of its treatment.

FOOT ENTRAPMENTS: If your boat capsizes, do not attempt to stand or walk if you are in swift-moving water. A boater may slip and pin a foot between submerged rocks. Once pinned, the force of the current can push the boater's body under the water and hold it there. Always keep your feet up, pointed downstream, and swim to calm water before standing.

Recommended Paddling Equipment

• Extra paddle in case of emergency. It should be secured for easy removal.
• Line on the bow and stern of the boat. It should be carried so that it will not tangle around you if you capsize.
• Sixty feet of throw line for emergency use (should be carried in at least one boat for every three boats on the water). Know how to use it effectively.
• First-aid kit including matches, maps of the area and money for an emergency phone call.
• Waterproof packs for personal items.
• Extra flotation for the boat. This makes self-rescue easier in the case of a mishap.
• Tie downs for all equipment in your boat.
• Bailers.
• Personal Flotation Devices and all additional required equipment including boat registration paper.
• Food and drinking water.
• Rain gear and a change of clothing.
• Cell phone for emergencies (carried in waterproof container).

Trip Planning

Proper trip planning (prior to the trip) will help ensure that you have a pleasant and safe experience.

• Scout the land area and stream prior to boating it.
• Check for any river warning and flood information. Check a stream level gauge if available.
• Consider the temperature of the water as well as the air temperature. Dress for the water's temperature.
• Know the location of all dams and other hazards. Be prepared to portage (carry around) these hazards.
• Match the stream classification to your boating skills.
• Camp only in permitted areas.
• Carry adequate drinking water.
• Be prepared for any unknown event. Know how to get to roads if you must "walk out."
• Display courtesy and respect to riverfront landowners and other stream users.
• Properly secure your vehicles at both the put-in and the take-out.

Trip Size and Organization

Group size and paddling skills are a consideration in choosing your waterway. The recommended minimum is three boats. No one should paddle alone.

Each person has specific responsibilities in the overall group organization. The safety of the group is dependent on everyone carrying out these responsibilities.

The lead boat carries an experienced river runner and:

• Sets the pace and continually evaluates the pace for rest of the boats.
• Selects and communicates to the rest of the group the route to follow.
• Scouts the route where a clear section isn't visible.
• Carries first aid and rescue equipment.

The sweep boat is the last boat and must carry an experienced river runner and rescuer. The sweep boat will only pass other boats in the event of an emergency. The sweep boat:

• Carries first aid and rescue equipment.
• Assists with keeping the group together.

The remaining boats have a responsibility to stay in between the lead and sweep boats. If a boat inadvertently passes the lead boat, they should immediately stop and wait for the group to catch up. Boats that are neither the lead nor the sweep, should:

• Maintain space to avoid collisions, but still stay compact as a group.
• Always keep the next boat upstream and downstream in sight; stop if the downstream boat isn't visible.
• Communicate messages.
• Allow descending boats the right-of-way.