EXPEDIENT WATER CROSSINGS
In a survival situation, you may have to cross a river or fast flowing stream or even a lake. Before you try to cross a river or stream, develop a good plan. Your first step is to look for a good place to cross.
Good places will be places such as a split in a river. It is usually easier to cross a river a piece at a time then all at once.
You want to be upstream of a shallow bank or sand bar encase you get swept downstream. Ideally your course across the river will not be straight across but instead one that angles downstream with the current. Generally with rivers fast currents means shallow sections and slow river currents means deep.
The amount of water moving past a point on the stream will be the same no matter where you choose to cross, unless of course another water source is present. So if you can find an area with relatively swift moving water where the river is wide that would be a good spot to cross.
Watch for the following hazards and avoid these if possible. Avoid obstacles on the opposite side of the river that might hinder your travel such as a deep, rapid waterfall or a deep channel. Never try to cross a stream directly above or even close to such hazards. Avoid rocky places. You may sustain serious injuries from slipping or falling on rocks. An eddy can produce a powerful backward pull downstream of the obstruction causing the eddy and pull you under the surface.
If necessary/possible a makeshift raft to carry your clothing
and equipment across the river can be a big help. A raft for yourself is a must if trying to cross a very cold river. You can wade across if you can get only your feet wet. But dry them thorough as soon as you reach the other side.
RAPIDS
It might be necessary in extreme circumstances to cross river rapids. If so, swim with the current, do not fight it. Try to keep your body horizontal. This will reduce the danger of being pulled under.
In fast, shallow rapids, lie on your back, feet pointing downstream, finning your hands alongside your hips. This action will increase buoyancy and help you steer away from obstacles. Keep your feet up to avoid getting them bruised or caught by rocks.
In deep rapids, lie on your stomach, head downstream, angling toward the shore whenever you can. Watch for obstacles and be careful of eddies and converging currents, as they often contain dangerous swirls and undercurrents.
Before even entering the water do the following: Remove any loose fitting clothing to lessen the water's pull on you. Keep your footgear on to protect your feet and ankles from rocks. It will also provide you with firmer footing. Tie your pants and other articles to the top of your pack or in a bundle. This way, if you have to lose your equipment, all your stuff will be together. It is much easier to find one large pack than to find many individual items.
All packs and equipment should be able to be instantly removed. Not being forced underwater by heavy equipment is more important than saving the equipment. A good walking stick will help you maintain your balance. Move slowly keeping two points of contact on the bottom at all times.
If there are other people with you attempt to cross the stream together. Ensure that everyone has prepared their pack and clothing as outlined above. Position the heaviest person on the downstream end of the pole and the lightest on the upstream end. In using this method, the upstream person breaks the current, and those below can move with relative ease in the eddy formed by the upstream person. If the upstream person gets temporarily swept off his feet, the others can hold steady while he regains his footing.
Some publications encourage groups to tie themselves together to cross streams. I am not a fan of this. This could easily lead to drowning if the group gets swept downstream. A rope can be used but never tied to you.
Good places will be places such as a split in a river. It is usually easier to cross a river a piece at a time then all at once.
You want to be upstream of a shallow bank or sand bar encase you get swept downstream. Ideally your course across the river will not be straight across but instead one that angles downstream with the current. Generally with rivers fast currents means shallow sections and slow river currents means deep.
The amount of water moving past a point on the stream will be the same no matter where you choose to cross, unless of course another water source is present. So if you can find an area with relatively swift moving water where the river is wide that would be a good spot to cross.
Watch for the following hazards and avoid these if possible. Avoid obstacles on the opposite side of the river that might hinder your travel such as a deep, rapid waterfall or a deep channel. Never try to cross a stream directly above or even close to such hazards. Avoid rocky places. You may sustain serious injuries from slipping or falling on rocks. An eddy can produce a powerful backward pull downstream of the obstruction causing the eddy and pull you under the surface.
RAPIDS
It might be necessary in extreme circumstances to cross river rapids. If so, swim with the current, do not fight it. Try to keep your body horizontal. This will reduce the danger of being pulled under.
In fast, shallow rapids, lie on your back, feet pointing downstream, finning your hands alongside your hips. This action will increase buoyancy and help you steer away from obstacles. Keep your feet up to avoid getting them bruised or caught by rocks.
In deep rapids, lie on your stomach, head downstream, angling toward the shore whenever you can. Watch for obstacles and be careful of eddies and converging currents, as they often contain dangerous swirls and undercurrents.
Before even entering the water do the following: Remove any loose fitting clothing to lessen the water's pull on you. Keep your footgear on to protect your feet and ankles from rocks. It will also provide you with firmer footing. Tie your pants and other articles to the top of your pack or in a bundle. This way, if you have to lose your equipment, all your stuff will be together. It is much easier to find one large pack than to find many individual items.
All packs and equipment should be able to be instantly removed. Not being forced underwater by heavy equipment is more important than saving the equipment. A good walking stick will help you maintain your balance. Move slowly keeping two points of contact on the bottom at all times.
If there are other people with you attempt to cross the stream together. Ensure that everyone has prepared their pack and clothing as outlined above. Position the heaviest person on the downstream end of the pole and the lightest on the upstream end. In using this method, the upstream person breaks the current, and those below can move with relative ease in the eddy formed by the upstream person. If the upstream person gets temporarily swept off his feet, the others can hold steady while he regains his footing.
Some publications encourage groups to tie themselves together to cross streams. I am not a fan of this. This could easily lead to drowning if the group gets swept downstream. A rope can be used but never tied to you.
