1. WATER SAFETY DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD

2. WATER SAFETY Water can be dangerous - never underestimate the strength of moving water Consider: Do you have to cross? What are the alternatives? Tramping in wet clothes is not fun. R IVER C ROSSINGS Try to avoid if at all possible Check with DOC or other trampers - what are the conditions? Check weather beforehand. Have a backup plan I F YOU H AVE TO C ROSS Wear protective footwear with a good grip Study the water before starting and move slowly across Always move with the water not against it

3. WATER SAFETY - CURRENTS Often faster and deeper in mid-stream At bends, usually faster and deeper along outside bend If you watch carefully, you may be able to see currents

4. WATER SAFETY – WAVES AND EDDIES WAVES - Water flowing over a ledge or rock, or between rocks. EDDIES - Water disrupted by protruding rocks CUSHIONS - Water ‘bouncing’ off a rock and pushing upstream STRAINER – trees or branches in the water – can be very dangerous FALLS – water falling to a lower level BOILS – bubbling water rising from deeper down WHIRLPOOLS – unstable and dangerous

5. WATER SAFETY – CROSSING RIVERS SAFELY Is there a bridge? Or stepping stones? If it is more than knee deep and swift – DON’T CROSS Assess the current by throwing a stick in Keep chest strap undone – so you can get pack off easily If you fall in – get your backpack off – rather lose it than let it drag you down Wear shoes to prevent injury Use walking poles for balance if you have them

6. WATER SAFETY – MUTUAL SUPPORT Method depends on river – no method is completely safe. Strongest person should be upstream and in control. Line should be parallel to current Arms behind your neighbours backs, grasping their clothing or packs.

7. WATER SAFETY – REMEMBER Strongest person should be upstream and in control. Remove watches and jewellery Use the flow of water to your advantage Use calls everyone can understand

8. WATER SAFETY – WHEN NOT TO CROSS Flow of water exceeds your walking pace Low experience level and group knowledge No rescue knowledge Objects are floating down the water Rising water

9. WATER SAFETY – HINTS Keep your body side on to the current Take small shuffling steps Watch the far bank – avoid looking at water as it may unbalance you Don’t clutch at logs or boulders underwater Move diagonally with the current to conserve energy.