Rivers and streams are wonderful places to visit and enjoy. However,
visitors and residents alike need to be aware of the risks of rivers and streams.
Many people have been injured or drowned because they did not follow basic
safety rules.
Rivers and streams are always changing and river conditions can change
rapidly after heavy rains. The force of water does not increase linearly with
water speed; rather it obeys a square law, which means that when the water
speed doubles, the force increases by four times. Moving water can quickly
sweep someone off of his or her feet and into the current. Rivers contain many
hazards that are not always easily recognizable. These hazards include
strainers, dams, reversals, holes and hydraulics. When approaching hazards
in the river turn your body at a 45-degree angle away from the hazard and swim
aggressively.
Hypothermia is another common risk at any time of the year in and along the
Arkansas River. Sunny days can quickly change and high altitude reservoirs
and mountain streams feed the Arkansas River. Immersion in cold water or
rain can initiate hypothermia. The onset of hypothermia will rob your strength,
numb your extremities, and adversely effect your ability to make sound
decisions. After prolonged exposure to the cold a person experiences
uncontrolled shaking, loss of coordination, and difficulty speaking. Prepare for
hypothermia by wearing a waterproof/breathable shell, dressing in layers,
wearing polyester clothing including fleece, and avoiding cotton clothing. It is
always wise to bring extra clothing, food and water.
Child safety is of utmost importance around any water. Never allow your
children to visit the river alone. Children should take swimming classes and
other recreation programs that teach water safety. Children should also wear
properly fitted personal flotation devices whenever around water.
visitors and residents alike need to be aware of the risks of rivers and streams.
Many people have been injured or drowned because they did not follow basic
safety rules.
Rivers and streams are always changing and river conditions can change
rapidly after heavy rains. The force of water does not increase linearly with
water speed; rather it obeys a square law, which means that when the water
speed doubles, the force increases by four times. Moving water can quickly
sweep someone off of his or her feet and into the current. Rivers contain many
hazards that are not always easily recognizable. These hazards include
strainers, dams, reversals, holes and hydraulics. When approaching hazards
in the river turn your body at a 45-degree angle away from the hazard and swim
aggressively.
Hypothermia is another common risk at any time of the year in and along the
Arkansas River. Sunny days can quickly change and high altitude reservoirs
and mountain streams feed the Arkansas River. Immersion in cold water or
rain can initiate hypothermia. The onset of hypothermia will rob your strength,
numb your extremities, and adversely effect your ability to make sound
decisions. After prolonged exposure to the cold a person experiences
uncontrolled shaking, loss of coordination, and difficulty speaking. Prepare for
hypothermia by wearing a waterproof/breathable shell, dressing in layers,
wearing polyester clothing including fleece, and avoiding cotton clothing. It is
always wise to bring extra clothing, food and water.
Child safety is of utmost importance around any water. Never allow your
children to visit the river alone. Children should take swimming classes and
other recreation programs that teach water safety. Children should also wear
properly fitted personal flotation devices whenever around water.
| The following are some basic boating and general river safety rules: |
1.Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return and where to
call if you don’t.
2. Educate yourself on the section of river you are boating. Your skills and
experience must equal the river and its conditions. Avoid dams and other water
structures.
3. Be prepared to swim and provide your own self-rescue, know your limits as a
swimmer.
4. Always wear a Coast Guard approved type III-V life jacket, that is properly
adjusted, at all times you are in or near the river.
5. Never boat alone. Multi-boat parties are safer.
6. Obtain CPR/first-aid training and carry first aid and rescue/safety equipment.
7. Dress appropriately and be prepared for extremes in weather, especially
cold.
8. Obtain paddling instruction specific to your watercraft.
9. Scout unfamiliar waters and portage where appropriate.
10. Plan your trip and stick to your plan.
| Fishermen, swimmers, and other river enthusiasts also need to be prepared for the unique river environment. |
1. Follow the applicable basic river safety rules.
2. Wade only where the bottom is visible. There can be holes and deeper
areas close to you.
3. Be extra careful on slippery and loose stone banks.
4. Wear thick-soled shoes or sandals when wading.
5. Never dive into the river, its depth can be deceiving.
6. Handle hooks, knives and other sharp fishing equipment with care.
2. Wade only where the bottom is visible. There can be holes and deeper
areas close to you.
3. Be extra careful on slippery and loose stone banks.
4. Wear thick-soled shoes or sandals when wading.
5. Never dive into the river, its depth can be deceiving.
6. Handle hooks, knives and other sharp fishing equipment with care.
| River Safety |
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