Rafting in Uganda – Safety Tips For A Memorable Adventurous Trip
Rafting in Uganda – Safety Tips For A Memorable Adventurous Trip a Safety is the foundation of a fun, memorable rafting adventure in Uganda. At Wild Travel Safaris & Adventures, we provide rafting trips in Uganda for both new and experienced rafters, and we take whitewater rafting safety seriously.
While all of our guides are highly trained in how to keep guests safe throughout the duration of the trip, it is still important to take steps to ensure your own safety as well. By keeping a few simple things in mind and behaving accordingly, you can help make the trip safe for yourself and everyone else in your party.
Rafting Safety Tips
Whitewater Rafting is not dangerous, per say, but as an adventure sport, there is a certain degree of risk involved. Heading down the river is exciting, wet, thrilling and incredibly fun, but if you aren’t careful, there could be some danger. The risk of danger is part of what makes rafting so much fun for thrill seekers, but you should always act to minimize your risk as much as possible. In addition to ensuring your own safety, behaving in a safe manner is also crucial in keeping your fellow whitewater rafters safe and allowing them to enjoy the adventure.
Wear Your Life Jacket
First and foremost, always wear your life jacket. At Raft Uganda Adventures, we will provide you with one to use on your rafting trip and help you ensure that it is on correctly. In order to be effective, life jackets need to fit snugly and be fastened securely. To ensure your safety, allow your guide to help you with this, and do not unfasten or remove your life jacket until you are back on dry land.
Listen to Your Guide
The guides at Raft Uganda Adventures are highly trained, and they know what they’re talking about. Even if you’ve been rafting before and consider yourself a bit of an expert, take the time to listen to what your guide has to say prior to your departure and when you’re on the water. No matter what type of situation arises, your guide will know how to handle it and get you through it safely. If you’re bringing kids on your trip, make sure that they know to listen to – and obey – the guide as well.
Dress Appropriately
Flip flops and bare feet are not appropriate rafting footwear. Stick with shoes that fit securely; old tennis shoes are perfect! If it’s chilly, consider a wet suit or splash jacket. Don’t wear heavy clothing like hoodies or wool sweaters as they can become extremely heavy when wet. On warm, sunny days, opt for a bathing suit or a lightweight tee shirt and shorts.
Wear a Helmet
Would you let your kids go roller blading or ride their bikes without a helmet? Probably not. And you definitely shouldn’t go whitewater rafting without one either. There are rocks in the river, and wearing a helmet is the best way to ensure that your head is protected in the event that you find yourself in the water.
Stay in the Raft
While it may seem like a great way to cool off on a particularly hot day, resist the urge to dive off the raft for a swim, even when the waters are calm. Falling out happens from time to time, but if it does, you need to get yourself back in the raft as quickly as possible. The depth of the river varies in different locations, and both deep and shallow waters can pose hazards even for experienced swimmers.
Relax and Have Fun!
Statistically speaking, riding in a car is more dangerous than whitewater rafting. While there is some risk associated with any adventure sport, odds are, you are going to have an amazing day and head home free from injury. As long as you listen to your guide and take precautions to ensure your safety, you really have very little to worry about.
At Wild Travel Safaris, we take every precaution and minimize risk for our guests as much as possible. We want everyone to fall in love with rafting and share our passion, and there is nothing worse than having someone get hurt. Work with us, and we will do everything in our power to keep your entire party safe. To learn more or to book your Uganda rafting trip.