Page "Rafting" Paragraph 38

Risks in white water rafting stem from both environmental dangers and from improper behavior.

Certain features on rivers are inherently unsafe and have remained consistently so despite the passage of time.

These would include " keeper hydraulics ", " strainers " ( e. g. fallen trees ), dams ( especially low-head dams, which tend to produce river-wide keeper hydraulics ), undercut rocks, and of course dangerously high waterfalls.

Rafting with experienced guides is the safest way to avoid such features.

Even in safe areas, however, moving water can always present risks — such as when a swimmer attempts to stand up on a rocky riverbed in strong current, risking foot entrapment.

Irresponsible behavior related to rafting while intoxicated has also contributed to many accidents.