Every summer, tens of thousands of visitors flock to Missouri rivers to cool down, relax with family and friends, and float. Floating is an age-old Missouri tradition that makes use of one of the state’s natural resources—spring fed streams and waterways. Most of the time, a great day is had by all, and everyone returns home; tired, happy, and a little sunburned. Sometimes, and fortunately in very few cases, someone doesn’t return home. Sometimes, tragedy occurs.
When this happens, reasons are sought out, and fingers are pointed at someone to take the blame. Assigning blame seems to alleviate some of the personal guilt or creates a target which to direct the grief and anger. However, blaming someone other than the victim himself is wrong.
Most tragedies on the river involve drowning or diving. In both cases and most of the time, the victim is at fault. Drowning is by far the most common form of death on the river. The solution to prevent this from happening is to wear a coast guard approved flotation device that is appropriate for the age and weight of the user. Wearing a simple life jacket buys time for the victim to be rescued.
Life jackets are supplied with every raft, canoe, kayak or tube that is rented on Missouri rivers. Laws require life jackets to be worn or at least within reach of the boater or floater yet many reject wearing them. Anyone who cannot swim or does not swim well should wear a life jacket. Rafts wreck, kayaks capsize, and canoes tip, it’s all part of the floating experience yet each event can be life threatening especially in swift flowing water.
The second most common cause of injury and death on Missouri rivers is diving. Not snorkeling or scuba diving, but rather jumping from rocks, cliffs, trees, and ropes suspended over the river. For some, stopping to dive off overhanging rocks into the river is a rite of passage, an initiation into the floating brotherhood. The problem comes when the diver fails to check for sufficient water levels or submerged rocks before diving. Just because a particular area was fine for diving last year, last month or even last week, doesn’t mean that it’s suitable today.
The water constantly shifts and changes the river or streambed, especially when there has been a heavy rain. Never assume that it’s safe to dive because it was yesterday. Never assume it’s safe to dive because other people are doing it. They may just be lucky and narrowly missing the rocks. Head injuries and broken necks are often the result of diving into an underwater rock.
Accidents happen. Injuries occur, but most of them can be avoided. Wear a life jacket if you’re a weak or non swimmer. Check the water for submerged rocks before diving. Two small actions that can save your life or that of a friend. Is that too much to ask?
