WATER SAFETY DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY AWARD

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.