| By :
Stephen Daniels
Colorado River raft trips through the Grand Canyon offer 277 miles of thrilling white water options. That's why it is comforting to know that Grand Canyon rafting companies are on the job when it comes to making those trips safe. It is also interesting to note that rafting Grand Canyon today is actually a pretty safe proposition. In fact, 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 to the precautions that these outfitters take to make sure passengers will end the trip wet and tired, but healthy: * The motorized rafts that are the most common form of white water rafting have been upgraded for maximum comfort and safety and are meticulously maintained * Passengers are required to participate in a safety training session before ever 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 techniques have improved through the use of advanced technology. * The outside world is only a satellite phone call away in case of emergency. * The Grand Canyon National Park utilizes helicopters to evacuate injured travelers. * All river travelers are required to wear life jackets - and keep them fastened - at all times while on the water. Rafting trips can vary in length from as little as one day to several weeks. With some outfitters, travelers can choose what sections of the river and how much white water to traverse. Potential rafters need to assess 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 so that they can plan for the needs of passengers. Another thing to think about is your tolerance for high temperatures. The rafting season in the Grand Canyon runs from April to October. Those who do not like extremely hot weather would do well to book their expedition during April, September or October, as temperatures during the summer months are often top 100 degrees. Guides play a key role in passenger safety and a good rule of thumb is to have one guide and at least one assistant guide for 20 or fewer people. Some companies prefer a higher ratio of guides to passengers, depending on the experience and fitness level of those on the trip. Guides conduct safety sessions before each outing that 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 of a dunking is to get your feet heading downstream and swim for the 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 noting your level of fitness, health and taste for adventure will result in the trip of a lifetime.
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