| Although it is an adventure sport, rafting is safe as long | | | | Safety is obviously paramount where children are |
| as you are with an experienced guide and have the | | | | concerned and most professional white water rafting |
| correct equipment. You should never underestimate | | | | companies take children from about 8 years old, and |
| the power of moving water, and hidden eddies and | | | | organise school trips. All rivers have different degrees |
| rocks add to the danger, but that is what makes white | | | | of difficulty, so if you are frightened by the thought of |
| water rafting so exhilarating. An experienced guide has | | | | flying down a thundering torrent, there are plenty of |
| great respect for the water and understands the | | | | calm, wide waterways which might fit the bill. Rafting |
| importance of safety precautions and avoiding | | | | rivers are graded from 1 to 5, so this is something to |
| unnecessary risks. He or she will be familiar with the | | | | look for when booking a trip. Every raft should have a |
| river and its danger spots, and will brief participants on | | | | first aid kit and some form of communication to call for |
| what to do and what to avoid doing before setting off. | | | | help in an emergency. In some of the more remote |
| Responsibility for your own safety in the light of | | | | locations, satellite phones are used. |
| potential dangers is usually accepted by signing a | | | | People are often worried about falling out of the boat, |
| waiver form. | | | | and this does happen, especially on the faster, steeper |
| As a participant, you don't necessarily need any | | | | rapids. Helmets should always be worn when rafting |
| experience in order to book a trip with a respected | | | | so that any collision with a rock, or even someone |
| white water rafting company. It helps to be able to | | | | else's head or paddle won't result in injury. Just to be |
| swim and non-swimmers should tell their guide when | | | | on the safe side, buoyancy aids are also worn. |
| booking. The great thing about this adventure activity is | | | | Wetsuits too are used on rafting trips, particularly in |
| that complete novices can enjoy the thrill of shooting | | | | colder climates, so the whole experience of being in |
| the rapids, knowing that they are in safe hands. | | | | the water becomes an enjoyable element part of the |
| Modern river rafts are usually inflatable boats, designed | | | | activity, even when it's cold. On a slow moving, scenic |
| specifically for this environment, and don't capsize | | | | part of the river, your instructor might even tie up the |
| easily. The raft tends to be buffeted by rocks, | | | | raft and get everyone swimming and jumping around |
| squeezes through narrow channels and is easily | | | | in the water just for extra fun! |
| manoeuvred by paddling. | | | | |