Is there a personal air tank or breathing device one could take safely for whitewater rafting?

Question

I imagine a small pony tank might work, but I'm afraid if the valve hit a rock. I'm not familiar with scuba diving and am new to rafting, but my first capsize in a Class V and subsequent mile long rapid swim was terrifying. Is there any sort of protection?

Answer 1

yea, get a pony bottle, look on ebay

Answer 2

Would you be able to grab for the breathing aparatus in all the panic.

Why not go on a course for defensive river swimming.

If caught swimming on a rapid, then just lie on your back with your feet first, and use your arms to direct you. The life preserver will keep you afloat.   Rock hugging sometimes works too.

Answer 3

Trying to keep track (and actually use) extra gear in a swim is a bad idea.  Your best bet (other than a good PFD) is to learn self rescue techniques and practice them in less threatening conditions.  Just keep your head...very few people ever actually drown while whitewater rafting, but it is always a risk.

Answer 4

I think the pony is your best bet. I do cave diving and carry 2. They both have heavy duty plastic flip covers over the valves to prevent damage from rocks banging against them. Ask at local dive shops for cave diving specialty gear.