River Swimming Safety

Rivers provide an almost limitless supply of recreational opportunities, and swimming is chief among them. It is important to stay safe when swimming in a river, where, unlike swimming pools, you are in an unpredictable element of nature. If you don't take certain precautions, your enjoyable day on the water could turn tragic.

  1. Drowning

    • Drowning can happen very fast and is highly preventable if you take the right precautions. Avoid swimming in rivers that have fast-moving currents, since they can sweep you away. Also be aware of fast-moving currents that are present underneath the water's surface. These currents can be the most dangerous, since you are often not aware of them until it is too late. Sometimes there are signs that notify you about areas that are known for these hidden currents, but this may not be the case if you are in a remote area. It is also important to keep an eye on all the members of your party at all times, especially children.

    Proper Swimming Techniques

    • It is important to know how to swim properly to be able to enjoy an activity like swimming in a river. You should also have endurance in the water and be able to swim a long distance if necessary. Take a class at your local Red Cross chapter to brush up on your swimming skills. Children younger than 10 should always wear life jackets when swimming in or playing near a river, no matter how well they can swim.

    Buddy System

    • The buddy system is an important method of staying safe; it requires you to be responsible for someone else's safety and vice versa. This system requires you to always keep an eye on your partner, so if he gets into trouble you can help him out. This system works well if you are in a group with children, since you can divide them among the grown-ups present, even if the ratio turns out to be two children to every adult.

    Designated Swim Areas

    • Swimming in designated areas is crucial to your safety in a river. There are usually places that are predetermined by the park service as the safest places to swim and that present the least amount of risk. The good thing about designated swim areas is that there are usually a lot of people nearby to help if a dangerous situation arises. There is also a good chance that there will be a lifeguard present in this area.

    Bacterial Risks

    • Unlike swimming pools, rivers are not chlorinated and therefore carry a risk for being contaminated with bacteria. Never drink the river water and keep your mouth closed while you're swimming to minimize the amount of water you could ingest. Giardia, a microscopic parasite that comes from the fecal mater of animals and can be found in rivers, causes an unpleasant intestinal infection called giardiasis. To avoid giardiasis, don't swim in rivers that have a very slow current, since giardia can gather more easily there.

    Other Precautions

    • Remember also to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly to keep yourself healthy while enjoying a day on the water.