Crossing Alone

1. If possible, view the river from above to identify the shallowest point and smoothest area of river bed possible, avoiding submerged snags, boulders etc. Do not attempt a crossing if large pieces of debris (logs, branches, etc.) are being carried downstream.

2. Keep your boots on. Wet boots are preferable to damaged ankles or feet. Do not cross wearing long pants, these will increase resistance to the current. Release the waist and chest strap on your pack before crossing. This way you will be able to free yourself quickly if you find yourself in a position where your pack is snagged and holding you down. It's also well to remember that your pack has a certain amount of buoyancy and can serve as a flotation device if necessary.

3. Generally, the safest area to cross will be between bends in a river. If you imagine the river in the shape of the letter 'S' then the safest area to cross will be the middle of the 'S' between the bends. That way, if you should lose your footing, hopefully the current will carry you into the bank on one of the bends. Always look for the best 'run off' section of a river that will carry you to a safe point if you lose your footing.

4. Use a stout pole or stick about five or six feet in length as support, placing it on your upstream side so that the current forces it into the bottom. Always keep two points of contact on the river bed at all times and cross diagonally downstream, resisting the current much like you would a strong wind. Take shuffling footsteps, feeling for the bottom. Try not to look down at the flowing water as this may upset your equilibrium, look ahead for the best possible route. Resist the temptation to grab at submerged or semi submerged rocks as this may upset your balance.

Crossing in a party

1. Members of the party stand in line abreast, each placing their hands behind the back of the person on either side of them and grasping the lower part of that persons pack shoulder strap. (or clothing if no pack is worn) This will 'interlock' the party. If a pack does not have a quick release buckle on the hip belt, then the hip belt should be left undone and clothing grasped instead.

2. Enter the water parallel to the current, with the strongest member of the party in the upstream position, this will break the flow for the others. Move with the upstream person just slightly ahead of the next person downstream and so on down the line. If a member of the party should break away during the crossing, the remaining members should maintain formation and either back out, or complete the crossing before attempting a rescue if necessary. Ensure that important items are stowed in waterproof areas of your pack. (Plastic rubbish bags make good pack liners) Remember, flowing water is deceptively strong. Do not view river crossings lightly.

Method for gauging the width of a river (or gorge)

1. Sight a point 'A' on the opposite bank.2. Place a marker 'B' into the bank directly opposite.3. Walk at right angles for a known number of paces and then place another marker 'C'4. Continue for another equal number of paces and then place another marker 'D'5. Turn at right angles away from the river and marker 'D' and keep moving back until your second marker 'C' and the point 'A' on the other side of the river are in line. The distance from here back to 'D' will give a good approximation of the width of the river/gorge.

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