When you go White Water Rafting, what happens when you fall off?

Question

When I watch videos on You Tube about White Water Rafting, I always wonder how they gt back into the raft with all thouse surging and rough waters.

Answer 1

Someone will throw you a rope thing, can't remember that it's called, then after they pull you in, they might wait for smoother waters, but either way to get you back in the boat someone will dunk you in and pull you back into the boat, using the force from the life jacket's flotation as an aid.

Answer 2

Depending on the situation you're in, the general rule of river rescue is 1)row, 2)throw, and 3) go.

1)Row:  It's always better to pull a swimmer immediately (or as soon a possible) directly into a boat.  If you're close, row to him/her and pull em' in!

2) Throw:  If the swimmer is in a position where you can't immediately row to him/her, then get out the hardware.  I (along with EVERYONE I boat with) have one or more throw ropes with us on our boats.  You throw the bag with the rope (obviously holding the loose end in your other hand) directly at the swimmer.  The rope unravels from inside the bag as it flies to the swimmer.  Throwing it directly at him/her does two things.  One, it gets their IMMEDIATE attention, and two, it puts the rope where they can easily grab it.

3) Go:  This is for trained swiftwater rescue people ONLY.  There are a few occasions where you have to go after the swimmer out of your boat.  This requires proper training, good, reliable boating partners, and the understanding that you are now putting a second person in harms way.  It is ALWAYS the last resort, and I've only used this once (with an unconscious swimmer) and don't recommend it to anyone with limited whitewater experience.

Answer 3

The rafter is immediately tossed about in the churning water..sometimes thaey are submerged in the strong currents. A dumped boater should be wearing a PFD, helmet and boating shoes. He/she also should be wearing a suitable shirt and trousers. The boater ought get on his back and his feet downstream. Now, he/she looks for the raft and the means to re-board. The rafter may have to float the rapids and get picked up at the end of the rapids. Different raft sizes will have different pick-up tactics. If the raft is large, the boater need avoiding being overrun!  All of this is told in pre-boarding instructions. Commercial rafting companies rarely lose a customer as they do not operate when conditions are beyond their control. Accidents occur, usually to men that are using alcohol or drugs.