Fond of hiking or backpacking? Here are helpful precautions for you. Have a safer and more fun experience by following these steps.

1. HOW TO CROSS RIVERS AND
STREAMS WHEN HIKING By Ken Jensen

2. Several things to consider when
crossing moving water :
1. Cold Water = Possible Hypothermia
2. Shallow waters = Faster current
3. Faster currents = getting swept off of
your feet
4. Invisible hazards of the river can be just
as dangerous

3. Things to look for the
best crossing areas:
 Level ground with
several channels.
 Upstream of shallow
bank or sandbar.
 Choose a course
across that will allow
you to cross at about
a 45 degree angle.

4. Here are a few items to look out for hazards that will hurt your
crossing :
 Obstacles on the opposite bank that will hinder you getting
across
 Upstream of deep channels or waterfalls
 Rocky places - slipping
 River estuaries (empty to bigger bodies)
Rock ledges – rapids indicated by water changes
perpendicular
Eddies – Current behind an obstacle with ever changing
direction

5. Deep Swift Rivers
Tips:
 Swim WITH the
current.
 Keep your body
horizontal as
much as possible.
This reduces your
chances of
getting pulled by
an eddy current.

6. Fast Shallow Rapids Tips:
 Lie on your back with
toes pointed
downstream.
 Place your
hands by your hips
and fin them to guide
and help avoid
obstacles.

7. Deep Rapids Tips:
Lie on stomach
Point head
downstream and
toward the opposite
shore
Stay away from
converging water or
obstacles because
they cause eddies and
swirls

8. Swift Treacherous Streams Tips :
 Remove clothing except your shoes to reduce
drag.
 Tie it into a bundle and attach to your pack or
shoulders.
 Make sure you can remove the pack if the water
catches it, so you don't get pulled.
 Use a pole at about your height (ideally 6-7 ft).
Place it upstream on the ground. It will break the
incoming current and place a downward force on
you.
 Take small steps and keep good footing.

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