RULES FOR CROSSING RIVERS

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32994, 14 August 1972, Page 16

RULES FOR CROSSING RIVERS

Rivers probably provide one of the greatest hazards on a trip into the bush and mountains ana strict rules of safety must be observed by all persons attempting to ford rivers.

Never take a river crossing lightly. A flooded river is especially dangerous and should never be crossed alone.

Ability to cross a river safely is a skill acquired through observation and practical experience. Many types of rivers and streams which can be crossed are encountered during travel in the mountains. The appearance of any river will vary with its source of origin and with the type of country through which it flows. Each type will require a different approach, but in all cases the important factor is to select a satisfactory ford. A river which may be crossed in one place with ease and safety may be impossible a short distance away. Also, the same ford may change from easy to difficult or become impossible with only a slight increase in the depth of the water.

Never enter a stream in which boulders can be heard rolling or in which trees are being carried along in the current.

Be particularly careful with the cold glacial rivers on the eastern side of the South Island main divide, as these tend to be deceptive and treacherous.

When travelling up a valley, crossing can often be avoided by travelling high above the river, and therefore it is best to look for a high-level route if a river crossing looks bad. If a crossing must be made, spend some time looking for the easiest available ford and, where possible, examine any likely crossing places from a height, as they can often be deceptive from ground level. A smooth, firm gravel riverbottom is best for a safe crossing; boulders, smooth slabs, sand, mud,

snags and logs are best avoided. Good fords Goods fords are often found in places: (1) Where a river widens. The water is likely to be shallower and flowing more slowly and the river bed is likely to consist of finer material.

(2) Where a river widens and runs in braided channels on a shingle fan. Several branches of the river are often easier to cross than one main flow of water, although each crossing should be treated as a separate problem.

(3) Where a river changes gradient. There is often a shallow stretch of water with a reasonable bed in the form of a shingle bar diagonally across the river above the grade change. (4) Where a river runs between reverse bends. Here the water is likely to be shallower and quieter. On a curve, the water is usually deeper and stronger by the outside bank.

(5) Where a river is deep and narrow but slow-flowing in pools. Under these conditions, a safe crossing can be made by swimming. In all cases, the entrance to and exit from a ford should be good with adequate run-out below the crossing place. Bad fords Examples of bad fords are side streams adjacent to swiftly-flowing rivers, and where the run-out has rapids, bluffs, deep holes, trees, or tree trunks on the surface or submerged cataracts or similar obstacles.

If the crossing is bad and the river is high and discoloured; if there is no other route; or if an initial determined and well-planned attempt has failed at what is obviously the best ford, then camp and try again the next day. Always keep calm if difficulties are encountered during river-crossings. Try to free the pack and, if practicable, hold it as a buoyant float.

Float vertically, feet foremost, angling to the side with the assistance of the current. If the feet touch the bottom, use them in a pushing movement.

Each person going into the bush or mountains should have a knowledge of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and this applies particularly to parties involved in river crossing.