Colorado River raft trips down the Grand Canyon deliver 277 miles of spectacular white water options. That is why it's great to know that Grand Canyon rafting companies are on the job when it comes to making those trips safe.
It's also interesting to remember that rafting the Grand Canyon today is, in reality, a pretty safe proposition. The reality is, injuries occur during rafting trips at a rate similar to golf and bowling and at less than one-tenth of the frequency of football or basketball mishaps. This is due in large part to the precautions that the best outfitters take to insure their guests will emerge at the end of their trip wet and tired, but unscathed:
* The motorized rafts that are the most typical form of white water rafting have been upgraded for maximum comfort and safety and are also meticulously maintained
* Passengers must participate in a safety training session before even boarding a raft
* Guides are trained in CPR and are often also certified as Wilderness First Responders or Emergency Medical Technicians. They also carry fully equipped first-aid kits.
* White water navigation strategies have improved by making use of advanced technology.
* The outside world is just a satellite call away in case there is emergency.
* The Grand Canyon National Park uses helicopters to evacuate injured rafters and hikers.
* All river travelers are required to wear life jackets - and keep them locked - all of the time while on the water.
Rafting trips can vary in length from as little as a day to several weeks. With some outfitters, travelers can decide what parts of the river and how much white water to navigate. Potential rafters should evaluate their fitness level, any medical conditions they may have and even how much adventure they're up for before booking a trip; this information is crucial for guides to be able to plan for the needs of passengers. Another factor to consider is tolerance for hot weather. The rafting season in the Grand Canyon runs from April to October. People who don't especially like extremely hot weather would be smart to book their expedition during April, September or October, as temperatures in the summer months are often top 100 degrees.
Guides play an integral position in passenger safety and a good rule of thumb is to have one guide and at least one assistant guide for twenty or fewer people. Some companies prefer a higher ratio of guides to voyagers, depending on the experience and fitness level of those on the trip. Guides conduct pre-trip safety sessions which cover:
* Where to sit in the raft to avoid being too close to hard objects or to a fellow passenger to avoid painful encounters.
* How to hold on to the ropes without getting pinched hands or entangled in the gear.
* The right thing to do in case there is a dunking is to get your feet heading downstream and swim for your raft or the shore, whichever is closest
* If a rope bag is thrown to you; grab the rope not the bag.
All white water rafting companies make passenger safety priority one. Doing research and remembering your level of fitness, health and taste for adventure can lead to an adventure of your lifetime.
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If you are interested in booking high adventure
Colorado River raft trips, Internet marketing strategist Stephen Daniels suggests Hatch River Expeditions. Their skilled guides will show you the Grand Canyon as few see it, and will educate and entertain you with tales both true and tall as you take in the beauty around you.
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