Tips for a Safe Missouri Float Trip

Each year hundreds of adults go on their first float trip, too embarrassed to admit they never paddled a canoe or floated on an inner tube down a river or stream as a kid.  Consequently, they don’t know how to properly prepare for what could go wrong.  Here are some safety tips for a safe Missouri float trip.

First and most importantly, no matter how many float trips you’ve been on, you and everyone else should wear a personal flotation device at all times.  While it may sound like simple common sense, you should never swim or boat alone.  You should always stay within sight of companions.

Whether you are floating downstream with a group of friends and family or with others through an outfitter, it’s best for you to admit your lack of experience so you can be paired with an experienced paddler/floater.  With an experienced paddler/floater there is a lesser chance of capsizing.

Preparation and avoidance are essential to staying safe on your next float trip.  Avoid rivers and streams when river levels and discharge flows are higher than normal or at flood stage.  If your boat capsizes on your next float trip, stay with canoe or kayak on the upstream side.  The last thing you want to do in the water is panic.

Knowing your physical limitations is also important when it comes to safety on your next float trip.  When you’re tired, it’s time to take a break on a gravel bar to relax.  For beginners a shorter length float trip (especially in rafts and inner tubes) works best.  Ideal float trip conditions typically occur in the summer when river levels are lower and winds are out of the South and greater than 10 mph.

While many movies glamorize swinging on rope swings and jumping into rives from bluffs or bridges, you should avoid diving into rivers or streams from bridges, bluffs, stream banks and trees as there could be submerged logs and tree branches that could cause you bodily harm.  Even the simplest of tasks like walking can be dangerous.  River wading shoes ensure no cuts to your feet.

You should also take measures to protect your skin and eyes.  Be sure to wear a hat and sunglasses as well as bring suntan lotion.  You’d be surprised how quickly the sun reflecting off the water can give a person not wearing sunglasses a headache.  Extra clothing is a good idea as it will prevent sunburns.  Stay hydrated too by bringing plenty of water, Gatorade or other thirst-quenching drinks.  Peanut butter crackers or similar snacks will help you to maintain your energy.

The last thing you want to lose on your next float trip is your car keys.  Do yourself a favor and leave them with the outfitter before you get into the canoe.  In fact, you should leave anything you don’t want to lose behind, either at home or locked in your car.

While some folks think rules were meant to be broken, it couldn’t be further from the truth on a float trip.  Rules are there for your safety.  Be sure to respect the rights of fisherman and private property owners.  If your plan to go camping, camp in designated areas so you can avoid being trapped by rising water against bluffs or on gravel bars.  Don’t tie your canoes or rafts together as it is a safety hazard to do so and you’ll be subject to a fine.  You’ll also want to keep Missouri’s rivers and streams clean for others.  Don’t use glass or Styrofoam containers and bring your own trash bag to avoid littering.

Due to logs and submerged trees, many floaters experience a cut or scrape from time to time.  Be sure to wash any cuts or scrapes with clean water and soap after swimming.  Everyone should shower after a float trip to cleanse themselves of microorganisms from river water.

Finally, avoid swimming in any water that has a temperature greater than 80ºF, is near storm drains, stagnate or with a green surface scum, has floating debris, oil sheens or dead fish.  This type of water could contain contaminates that are harmful to your health.