River crossings

Hazardous river crossings should only be attempted when the alternatives to the crossing are more hazardous than the crossing itself.

All river crossings must be treated as potentially dangerous.

When planning your route take into account potential problems such as flooding or tidal rivers and plan to cross at low-tide.

When a flooded river is encountered, carefully assess the risk involved in crossing it. If crossing will involve unnecessary danger, camp and wait for the water level to fall. Alternatively, select a safer more circuitous route that will at least reduce or possibly eliminate the danger of crossing.

Choice of Crossing Point

Choose the easiest and safest crossing point to ford a river. Check both up and down stream, not just where you meet the river. A crossing higher upstream where the river bed is steeper and the water flow faster, may offer a harder crossing than lower downstream where the flow is slower and deeper. Remember however that safety should not be sacrificed just to avoid getting wet feet or taking off boots.

It may be simpler to cross several smaller tributaries one at a time, than to cross one main stream.

It is most often safest to cross between bends in a river. The bend itself could be dangerous because at the outside of the bend the water is deep, currents are powerful and frequently the bank will be undercut. The bottom is more often good and the water shallower between rapids (though this is not always true). Certainly, the water will be less turbulent. Often a wider stretch, where the flow is slow, is shallower and an easier path.

Wherever possible obtain a viewpoint above the river, as this will make it easier to spot hazards that cannot be seen from ground level. Take into account potential downstream hazards like waterfalls, in the event of someone being swept downstream whilst swimming.

Method of crossing

Preparation:

  • Remove trousers to reduce friction or drag. They can then be put on dry at the other side.
  • It is preferred that boots or strong sandals be worn during a river crossing. Socks should be removed and put on dry at the other side.
  • Unfasten waist band and loosen straps of your pack for quick off-loading in emergencies.
  • Make use of a pole, hiking stick or even branch for a “third leg”.
  • Secure from the bank: a rope should always be used. Each individual making the crossing should be roped-up, thus forming a safe link into the group on the river banks.
  • Never leap from one boulder to another and pass packs. Look out for slippery algae deposits.
  • By far the best advise is is to avoid river crossing wherever possible.

Swimming

  • Swim only if it is unavoidable and the water is calm.
  • Ensure that everyone in the party can swim and is confident in the water.
  • Choose the strongest swimmer to cross with a rope to establish the depth, currents, bottom conditions (sand/rock/sharp/slippery ?) and exit points.
  • If possible, rig a safety rope and haul packs across on this or put packs in emergency bags/black bags and tie so that they float and tow across on safety rope.
  • Each swimmer should proceed, tied to safety rope and use a sleeping mat or air-filled plastic bag as flotation device.
  • If it is absolutely impossible to use safety rope, swimming should be avoided.

Rock scrambling

When rock-scrambling, remember the following:

  • Never crowd each other on the rock.
  • Watch where you place your feet and keep your heels down.
  • Stand upright, away from the rock and keep handholds low to help maintain this position.
  • Maintain three points of contact, moving only one limb at a time.
  • Always test your holds and look out for loose rock.
  • Avoid knocking loose rocks that can fall onto another member in the party. If you do knock something off, shout “BELOW” as loudly as possible to warn others.
  • Follow the leader’s route. Retrace your steps if your feel insecure, and work out the footholds and handholds in advance.

Bundu bashing

This entails walking over rough ground without a visible trail. This can be scary as the ground underfoot often cannot be seen. The chance of spraining an ankle or even breaking a leg increases.

  • Make sure you have appropriate footwear, i.e. boots.
  • Use a hiking stick if possible.
  • If you are unsure of your balance, use two hiking poles.
  • Try stepping on grass tufts or rocks, rather than alongside them.
  • Keep an eye out for snakes.
  • Be aware of small loose pebbles as these can roll underfoot and cause slipping.
  • When going downhill, lean back slightly to assist with balance.
  • When negotiating a scree, be sure not to dislodge debris that can then fall on persons below.
  • Walk at a comfortable pace and avoid rushing.

Getting lost

  • Do not panic. Stop, think and stay calm.
  • Never split the party – stay together.
  • As soon as you realise that you have strayed immediately backtrack to a clearly marked part of the trail.
  • If you can’t find the trail, try and identify landmarks; use a map to orientate yourself.
  • If you don’t know where you are – stay where you are – seek nearby shelter from wind and put on warm clothing.
  • Make use of emergency signals. i.e short signals (use torch, whistle, mirror etc)
  • Place a bright-shining emergency space blanket or put some brightly coloured clothing out in an obvious place that could be visible to a search party or a helicopter.