How to Handle a River's Current
Giant ocean swells, massive waves, and the amazing pull of a riptide can claim many lives each year. We all have heard of tales of people drowning in the ocean and of how to prevent it. But did you know that only 10% of all drownings happen in saltwater? That means the other 90% happen in lakes, rivers, and swimming pools.
A River is usually not considered very dangerous, which is what makes them so dangerous. We do not give them the proper amount of attention. There are many tales from veteran Rapid Riders that say their closest time to drowning are on an easier Class of Rapids. Any River can be deadly and we have to treat them as such.
If you are on some Rapids, and get caught in a hole, then you don't want to struggle. You actually want to ball up and go deeper, to escape the surface (which is the thing holding onto you), so it can flush you out further down the way. When you stay near the surface not only are you facing bounding waters, but the pull there is stronger and more erratic, under the water can give you the propulsion to slip past the dangers.
In just a natural River Current that is strong, fight the urge to swim across the flow. The water is much too strong for you and you will tire yourself out. Instead, control yourself, stay above water, and go with the current.
Use your energy to swim towards a side, just making slight progress, getting close to a shore. This will let you get to your destination eventually. Again, do not try to reach it right away. Yes, it is going to be really annoying to have to walk back all the miles it might pull you, but you can actually do that. Going against the current can kill you.
There is a problem with going with a River's flow as you take your time to get to shore. For one, if you fell into the river by accident, then it means you are going to have to travel all that way back wearing wet jeans and clothes. If it is late or getting cool, this can cause you to freeze. This can be solved with preparation, making sure you are ready to survive a spill into a river even when you are not planning on it.
The next problem is that you may find debris in the river which can be harmful to you. This will depend on the type of river you are in. As you are floating, try to take a look at what is in front of you. Try not struggle too much doing this, staying afloat is still your number one concern. But knowing what's ahead of you can tell you which shore you should be heading towards as one might be safer, even if it is a little bit further away.
The two biggest dangers of a River's Current is not respecting the possible dangers, and the other is struggling too much in the water. Be relaxed, be prepared, and be aware and not even the strongest Current can bring you under.