Falling into a chest-deep river with a life jacket on?

Question

I cannot swim, although as a kid I was able to paddle backwards with my feet with a PFD on. In the event of such a situation, what are the strokes I must use to either swim to shore, or stand upright? Keep in mind there is a moderate current.

Answer 1

When I went river rafting, the guides told us to do this in the event we got thrown out of the raft: Lean back like you're sitting in a recliner. RELAX. Raise your feet up so your toes are near the surface. Keep your hands out to each side. If you are going through rapids, you can use your hands to steer around rocks. It might sound odd, but it works. Even the people in our group who were not comfortable in water got the hang of this right away.

I would think the same applies if you're in a river that is not moving as fast -- but just in slow motion. The main thing to remember is to relax -- the life jacket will do the work for you.