My friend and i are going white water rafting & she doenst kno how to swim does it matter??

Question

do u hav to kno how to swin in order to go white water rafting? its part of a school trip

Answer 1

Your darn rights it does! What does she think she's going rafting in? Chocolate pudding?

That's water out there. It's fast moving and it's probably cold. If your friend can't swim, she needs to BUY a life jacket and wear it every minute she is around the water. A PFD isn't good enough, because they are floatation devices, but if you are unconscious they can not position you so your head is above water. A life jacket can. They are more cumbersome to wear, but well worth it for a non swimmer. Many rafting companies and water sport companies have PFDs for their clients, because they are cheaper. But if she's going, buying a life jacket of her own is cheap insurance.

You're a good friend to be concerned.

Answer 2

Only if she wants to live

Answer 3

My friend even though you will be wearing life preservers it is essential that you know how to swim people have still lost their lives in rafting accidents even wearing life preservers , The school or the company providing your school with all the Equipment should NOT allow your friend to take part your friend should develop some kind of swimming skills before taking part in this dangerous activity , and I do know what I am talking about I have been whitewater rafting many times .

Answer 4

You should take direction from the person(s) who run the white water rafting pro-gramme and wear a floatation devise at all times.

Answer 5

not the msartest thing to do, but if she is comfortable around the water she should be ok. Most rafting companies provide lifejackets that make it impossible to be face down in the water (always flip you on your back). As well, if she sits in the middle of the boat (i.e. not at the front or back) she will have less chance of falling out. As well, almost every river guiding company has safety kayaks and guys on shore with lifelines to rescuse people should they fall out. Good Luck

Answer 6

YES!!!!! if you fall in the water you would drown!!! even if you can swim but cant swim very well i dont think you should because you will get pulled down and there will b strong currents

Answer 7

If it's a school trip, there shouldn't be a problem.  They aren't going to put you in extreme conditions.  BUT, (and someone has already been rated a thumbs down for a good suggestion) the rafts used are flexible rubber.  It is possible that someone could get tossed out of the raft.  Wearing a flotation device is just plain common sense, even if you KNOW how to swim.

Answer 8

yes!!! just because you will have a life vest on dosent mean that you will be ok in the water, even people who know how to swin can die white water rafting but if it is for school then i wouldent worry about it

Answer 9

Well as it being I have been white water rafting over 30 times and am also a lifeguard and a boyscout I'm gonna go with my gut feeling on this one and say no the would not be a good idea.....White water rafting is not to be taken as a swim in a pool there are dangers that are involved undertow of water and rocks that can knock someone unconcious....I would say your school is heading for a bigger rapid than a four or five  it's called a lawsuit so if I were you i would address this to the teacher or principal immediatley....your friend or someone else could get hurt or killed

Answer 10

I know a few people who went without knowing how to swim. One can't even dog paddle.

Answer 11

It might matter, cuz they probly want u to be save!

Answer 12

That is very stupid.  If you can not swin stay away from the water.  Even experienced swimers would have trouble in those waters.  Please learn to swim first and always wear a life jacket.

Answer 13

Even some guides may disagree with me, but yes you should definitely know how to swim! I can tell you from firsthand experience that when you get thrown into that water you want to be able to be self reliant in getting back into your boat or onto shore. I have seen what happens to people that have poor swimming skills when they biff it and let the panic get to them. Keep your paddle wet...and keep safe! Tell your friend to sit this one out.