The rush of whitewater rafting is pure adrenaline. Your first sight of the set of wild rapids just down the river sends your heart rate pumping. You grip your paddle with knuckles as white as the water.

While floating rivers and group river rafting tours are a common outdoor pastime, they aren’t without some inherent dangers. It’s that risk that makes rafting so exciting. Here’s what to do if you find yourself thrown from the raft, and into the whitewater.

1. Get properly equipped before you even hit the water.
If you’re going out with a guided tour, take a look over their equipment first. Helmets and maintained life jackets are crucial to whitewater safety.

Wear light clothing that dries quickly and won’t take on bulky weight when they hit the water. Items like boots and denim jeans get wet, they’ll weigh you down if you’re in the water.

Keep your life jacket snug and buckled, making sure that you can breathe but the jacket itself can’t be pulled up to your neck. If it’s too loose, or not buckled, you run the risk of turning the life-saving device into a hazard instead.

2. If you’re in the rushing water, keep your legs out in front of you.
If you’ve been tossed from the protection of a raft and into the whitewater, keep your legs out in front of you to defend yourself from rocks or tree branches hidden under the surface.

If your life jacket and helmet are secure, your legs are the first line of defense as you tumble downriver. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your body flexible.

Push off of obstacles or, if they’re unavoidable, try to use the momentum of the water to push yourself up and over anything in your way.

3. Help your rescuers.
If possible, keep in contact with those still in the raft. Watch for them to throw you a flotation device or rope that you can hold onto.

When you’ve reached your rescuers, allow yourself to be pulled in face first. This way, you’ll be able to bend at the waist and roll into the raft.

Before venturing out into water, whether in a raft or while wading for angling, keep the dangers in mind. If you stay calm and follow these tips, there’s plenty of fun to have out on the water.

The Coast Guard rescued a man this past Sunday from the waters of Lake Michigan. The 33-year old man was kayaking when a severe storm hit. The video below shows the Coast Guard video of his rescue.

His brother, who was with him at the time, was able to paddle to a nearby island for safety. He was able to call 911 and give their last approximate location. The stranded man was rescued after nearly 6 hours in the water without his kayak.

He was wearing his life jacket, and that’s likely the reason why he was able to make it out of the incident with only mild hypothermia. Night began to fall as he was floating and fortunately he was able to flash a light to signal for help.

Search and Rescue teams used his most recent cell phone location to find the empty kayak. Soon after, the helicopter spotted the flashing light.

This incident should serve as a reminder to be aware of the weather forecast before hitting the water for the day, even if you are an experienced boater.

All too frequently, people feel that they don’t need a life jacket in a canoe, kayak, or other recreational water craft. This incident shows that this small inconvenience can end up what saves a person from a ride in a Coast Guard rescue helicopter.

His small flashlight was enough to catch the eye of his rescuers, and that’s proof enough that keeping everyday carry items on you when you’re out can end up having big benefits.

Recreational boaters and kayakers should also consider using a small Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) when headed out on the water. These are increasingly affordable and come in a range of sizes that can be mounted on board or carried on your person. With a powerful GPS system these can be activated to alert search and rescue operations of the emergency.

If the roads are out or overcrowded, the best way to make it to a safe position may be by water.

In the first part of this series, we discussed the planning and guidelines for setting up a water escape. In this article, we’ll discuss different types of watercraft as well as their strengths and weaknesses. The body of water you are traveling on will often dictate the type of craft that best suits your escape plan.

Canoe
Perhaps the most versatile of paddle powered watercraft; canoes offer speed, of cargo capacity and the ability to carry two or more people. In the right hands, canoes can travel anything from open waters to high rapids. Because of their high sides, canoes can be difficult to paddle in high winds.

Canoes come in different sizes and in different materials. Aluminum canoes are light, durable, and in many cases the most inexpensive option. However, they can be difficult to repair when damaged. Kevlar and other woven canoes offer lighter weight, and allow repairs for minor damage with patching kits. The lighter weight often comes at a higher price. Avoid wood canoes; they are very heavy and can be quite expensive.

While canoes are versatile, there is a steep learning curve to effective paddling. The paddlers in the front and back both need to be proficient with paddling on each side and the paddler in the stern must be able to effectively perform the proper strokes to steer the canoe. Paddling a canoe in rapids is also difficult and requires plenty of skill, training and communication between the paddlers.

 

Kayak
Kayaks can be less expensive than canoes, and are also more intuitive to operate. Kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes that dictate what kind of water they can handle.  Although versatile, Kayaks do require practice especially when it comes to escaping and recovering a capsized boat.

White water kayaks can handle harsh rivers with an experienced paddler at the helm. The downside is that many do not come with separate storage compartments for equipment. They can also be difficult to handle on open water because their design is meant for navigating around obstacles in fast moving water.

Touring kayaks are long boats that are at home on open water. Despite their size, they can handle light rapids on large, open rivers. Most touring kayaks have two separate cargo compartments that can store a large amount of gear. Many touring kayaks have rudders that can assist in steering on open water.

Crossover kayaks are shorter than a touring kayak, but offer more cargo capacity than a white water boat.

Open top kayaks are easy to get in and out of and can also handle a variety of conditions. However, they offer limited cargo space. Some will have a set of tie downs or an exposed compartment for lashing down equipment.

Packrafts are a versatile option if your trip involves long portages. Packrafts are relatively cheap and much lighter than inflatable kayaks and can be packed down and carried over land as their name suggests. However, their lighter weight comes at the expense of strength. Packrafts are not mean to be run through heavy rapids with exposed rocks and sharp features.

 

Sailboat
For large bodies of water, a sailboat can be the optimal choice for transporting people and supplies. However, effectively handling a sailboat in changing weather conditions requires years and even decades of experience. Wrong moves can leave you sunk or asunder. Plus, if you’re traveling in a group, those people will need to be familiar with operating a boat and the skills that are associated with being a proficient sailor.

 

If the roads are out or overcrowded, the best way to make it to a safe position may be by water.

While land travel can be an efficient way to transport people and supplies, roads and trails are subject to degradation and damage over time. For some people, a body of water can be the optimal way of travel. However, aquatic travel can be incredibly dangerous, and proper precautions must be taken to avoid injury and death in the event of something going wrong. In this article, we’ll discuss planning a water escape. In part two, we’ll go over the types of watercraft you can use and where those craft excel.

Have a Plan
If you live near a body of water, check to see if it provides a path to your desired destination in the event of a disaster. Have maps of the area that detail your route and hazards you may encounter.

Remember that conditions can change in a heartbeat on the water. Gather as much knowledge as you can about flows and tides on your body of water. Rivers will have different flows for different seasons, which can pose new hazards as the depths rise and fall.

Start troubleshooting after planning your route. Are there points where things could fail? Are there alternate routes to dangerous areas? Keep in mind that on some rivers, there may be areas that you won’t be able to navigate on the water. In these cases, mark portages on your maps.

Prepare Your Equipment
Your first priority in preparing a water escape after planning should be to make sure you have the necessary safety equipment. A properly fitting life jacket is essential and will be instrumental to your survival should your watercraft capsize or if you are forced to evacuate. If possible, try to find one that has pockets on the front. Be sure that you keep a signal whistle, light source and cutting tool on your life vest. A white water helmet may also be necessary for your route.

Keep sensitive items in waterproof containers or bags. Keep your maps in waterproof sheets that you can secure to yourself.

Make sure you have the tools and materials to repair your watercraft should it be damaged. Dents, scrapes and holes are especially prevalent in river travel, where craft can hit rocks and other hazards while traveling over rapids.

The type of watercraft you choose will also make a difference in how you travel across a body of water. We’ll go over these in part two.

Physical Fitness
Anyone traveling by water should be capable of swimming to shore.  Be sure you can swim at least 500 yards using breaststroke or sidestroke as well as tread water for five minutes. Although you should always wear a life jacket, keeping yourself fit will help ensure your ability to survive out on the water.

Rehearse
Take your watercraft and travel your route to your desired destination. If you have a GPS, use tracking to show your route in relation to your maps. When traveling, remember to take your time. Too much haste can lead to mistakes, which can lead to injury or worse.

After your run through, troubleshoot again. Check where your plan failed or encountered difficulties. Travel your route again and continue to troubleshoot until you feel comfortable. When in an actual escape, having the muscle memory and familiarity with your route will help you overcome stress and ultimately ensure that you arrive at your destination safely.

Don’t go Alone
Water escapes should not be done alone. Having a partner or team will help you cross water quickly and will also be able to assist you in case of emergencies.

 

 

When Carrie Mattingly lost control of her SUV on an icy road, she and her daughter went headlong into a nearby pond. The Washington state residents crashed through a fence and had precious seconds to get out with their lives. Continue reading “How to Escape a Sinking Car” »

No water. Are you ready? The human body can make it about three days before dying of crippling thirst. Our bodies are mostly made of water, so when we are without it our bodies can no longer function. Read below and you’ll know ways to bring precious water to your body.

Gather Rainwater with a Simple Tarp and Bucket
When rain falls you need to have a trap that has plenty of surface area. A traditional plastic tarp is a great way to gather a maximum amount of water in a short amount of time. The set up takes very little effort but the results can quench a desperate thirst.

  • Find two tree branches 4-5 feet in length. Drive one end of each into the ground so they stand solidly about 3 feet apart. Tie one end of the tarp to the top of each stick using some paracord, long grasses, or bark from a willow tree.
  • A bucket, bowl, or other container will do just fine for a water trap. At the place where the other ends of the tarp lay upon the ground, dig a hole that fits your container. Use your remaining paracord, tall grasses, or tough tree bark to tie the other two ends of the tarp together.
  • As the rain falls, the tarp will gather the water and it will flow downwards into the container.

How to Gather Rainwater from the Roof
The roof of your home or shelter is a natural rainwater trap. Take advantage of this to bring gallons of water every time it rains. Be sure to filter this water, as it will contain whatever nasty particles that may have gathered on your roof tiles.

  • Depending on the style of your gutters, you can extend the spout to divert rainwater into a large container like a barrel or large container.
  • Keep cleanliness in mind. The runoff container should have a lid that is secure and that will keep out leaves, dirt, and animals.
  • Be aware that your container may fill to the top with water. To stop flooding and overflow, divert the path of the water back to the gutter spout or into a second container.

Use an Umbrella to Gather Rain Water
Sure, it’s a stretch. But when things get desperate you need to be ready to take advantage of any materials you find. An umbrella is usually for keeping rainwater away in everyday circumstances. When you’re desperate for a drink, getting soaked by the rain is of little concern.

  • Take an umbrella that is broken or has been discarded and flip it over.
  • Poke a few small holes in the umbrella so that it can drain as it gathers rain.
  • Place the upside down umbrella on a 5-gallon bucket or container to gather the rain the drips through.

Humans cannot make it for long without water. Without food and shelter, your odds are a bit better. Use these tactics to start gathering a supply of rainwater as soon as you can for the best results.

“It was like a slap from a giant.”
This is how a survivor of the 2004 tsunami that struck 12 countries bordering the Indian Ocean described the first wave. An otherwise peaceful morning with crisp blue skies turned to a muddy brown nightmare in the blink of an eye. In an area of the world dominated by pristine beaches and putting scooters skimming along small streets, towering ocean waves brought destruction and snatched the lives of around 300,000 people in a single morning.

On December 26, the day after Christmas, locals and tourists in Khao Lak Thailand were forever changed by a few swift strokes from the mighty Indian Ocean. This area was one of the hardest hit, with a tourist mortality rate of 50% and local residents of around 70%. Because of the poor housing conditions in some areas, the statistics concerning those missing and injured will be forever unknown.

What to Expect in a Tsunami
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a tsunami is a series of waves, or a “wave train”, resulting from shifts in the sea floor that happen after an earthquake, volcano, or other types of natural events that alter the sea’s geography. Tsunami waves can regularly reach heights of 50 feet and can repeat themselves for several hours.

There are many stories to come out of this horrific event, but that of American John Thompson stands to teach us much about survival in such lightening fast scenarios. John arrived in Khao Lak a one day earlier and had spent the time exploring the area around his hotel and enjoying a Christmas dinner and dessert at some local spots. The next morning, while lying in bed, he felt some vibrations in the building that lasted maybe two minutes. Not thinking too much of it, he continued enjoying his day by riding a rented scooter around the area.

After heading down to the beach to snap some photos of a small boat and a bay that he thought seemed a bit strange, he realized just what was happening around him. John and others down on the beach began sprinting away from the oncoming wave. He ran beside other locals and beachgoers, desperately taking shots with his camera over his shoulder of what he considered to just be a “big wave” that was obviously not stopping at the sand like any other. The wave that ultimately tackled the peaceful coast that morning averaged a towering height of 24 feet.

Be Prepared to Make Split-Second Choices
During his life-saving sprint away from the rushing water, John was confronted with a choice that would eventually save his life. To continue running up the street meant putting distance between himself and the wave, but diving into a nearby hotel could offer crucial protection. John chose the sturdy building and sprinted to its highest point. This split-second decision was what most likely left him alive to tell the tale. It only demonstrates that survival situations demand quick thinking and reward wise decisions.

Perhaps the best way to honor the causalities and displaced survivors of the 2004 tsunami is to learn from what happened and carry those lessons with us in future excursions. Overall, the catastrophe teaches us that we could be separated from our friends, loved ones, and belongings in an instant. It may seem strange, but when you arrive in an area where tsunami’s might occur, become familiar with the local buildings and streets as they relate to the beachfront.

The Correct Way to Prepare for a Tsunami
Your familiarity with these routes and buildings could be what save you should disaster strike. As you do this, make a plan with loved ones so that if you are separated you will all know where to find each other. Pick a local landmark that everyone can find and designate a meeting spot or two so that no matter what happens a central location is set. Disaster does not wait for you to pack up your suitcase.  Be sure to have a small backpack with some necessities should you only have precious seconds to grab and go.

Understanding how rushing waves and water work can work in your favor. Water moves along the path of least resistance. This usually means waves hit hardest the streets and alleyways that offer little in the way of buildings or boundaries. A sturdy building that offers high stories or a path that heads uphill could be your best bet when given just quick moments to decide which way to go for safety. Since tsunamis often follow earthquakes, heed nature’s warning by moving to higher ground should you feel an earthquake. Concerning the water, a last chance effort can be made to grab onto some item that floats and is big enough to support your weight.

John Thompson’s story of survival shows us that disaster doesn’t wait or discriminate. What matters in situations like these is preparation and quick decisions that ensure survival. A tsunami is a devastating threat from the natural world, but you can still enjoy the beauty of nature while being prepared to survive.

It is crucial to human survival. Without it, humans can’t go on for more than three or four days. Our cells need it and it helps regulate our body temperature. Go too long without it, and our decision making abilities falter and our moods swing. Water. Survival in emergency situations depends on it.

The human body is about 60% water. It needs a constant supply in order to keep running smoothly. In times of stress and danger, water keeps our heads cool and our brains functioning correctly. If there are other dangerous elements resulting from something like a natural disaster, don’t sabotage yourself by failing to keep clean water available.

Make a plan for storing clean water that you can access in the event of an emergency. When a natural disaster like a flood or hurricane put water supplies at risk, you will want to have a supply ready. Communities rely heavily on a dependable and sanitary water supply, so if an event puts that in danger there could be panic. Avoid the rush to local markets for water by having a safe supply in store nearby.

The containers that you choose to hold the water should be clean and sanitized before filling. Try to use only new containers when you start the process, since there can be a risk of elements left behind in containers like milk jugs that are tough to spot. These can have significant effects on the cleanliness of the water. If you are choosing plastic containers, be sure to use food-grade plastics. These are identifiable by the recycling arrows and a number between 1,2,4,and 5. Carefully consider using a 1 grade container, since they are generally meant for only single use.

Glass and stainless steel containers are also options for water storage. Glass carries with it the danger of shattering, so weigh your options in this case. Glass does allow you to see inside and gauge the safety of the water visually, and that can go a long way. Stainless steel containers are an excellent option as well. You may find that these containers are more expensive than plastic, for a very similar effectiveness. Consider also the possible need to move or travel with your containers. Sturdy designs, handles, and accessible sizes are crucial if your reserves need to be relocated.

In order to determine how many containers to purchase, you’ll want to rely on the suggestion of about one gallon of water per person per day. Your supplies of water will need to keep you and anyone else with you healthy and hydrated for as long as you plan on utilizing the storage. Consider the ages and medical needs of your loved ones as well, as the younger and elderly populations are more vulnerable to the stresses that a lack of water can produce. During an emergency, water is useful for more than just drinking. It is necessary for washing any dishes, cleaning wounds, and bathing.

Finally, find a cool and dark place to keep your water stored. Any exposure to sunlight can rapidly decrease the shelf life of water, so be sure that the location is free from temperature fluctuation and light sources. The water should be stored in an orderly fashion and well labeled so that a count can be made easily. Water should be changed out at least every six months, so clear labels can be very effective.

In the event of a natural disaster or event that puts your local water supply in danger, have a cache of clean water accessible. Water is an absolute necessity for human survival and cannot be overlooked. In times of danger and stress, water keeps human bodies functioning well and keeps moods and decisions regulated. Plan out the location and the types of containers you’ll use. You can’t afford to overlook the importance of water storage for emergency situations.