Tubing
Tubing Safety
Tubing is a lot of fun but anything with water carries with it the risk of drowning. There are things to watch out for:
Inspect River
There are many potential hazards you might encounter in a river. Research and ideally walk, drive or prerun the river. Determine hazard and mandatory portage areas.
Log Jams
Logs can snag onto you can pull you under. Rivers should be walks or otherwise pre-inspected. Steer clear of logs. If needed, get out of the water and walk around them.
Rapids
Some rivers present rapids hazards. Little waves and bumps are fun, but rapids can flip a tube and results in a head injury and drowning. Pre-inspect river before floating it. Portage around rapids.
Dams and Waterfalls
If you did your research, these shouldn't be a surprise. Know about these hazards and know how to avoid them. Set a safety point (ideally manned) where everyone gets out of the water before hitting hazards.
Proper Equipment
Proper Tube
Fun floats that look like swans or commando rafts are great in pools but won't survive a poke from a stick. These can easily get entangles in river debris and will leave you swimming. Consider having extra capacity in case a tube or raft develops a leak.
Shoes
Sturdy shoes are vital. You may need to portage your tube and don't want to do so barefoot or in flip flops
PFD
Gotta have it, even on a Tube.
Sunscreen
Have it and have scouts wear it. A hat is also a good idea.
Flipping a Tube
If you find yourself out of a canoe. Keep feet downstream, head up and aim for shore.
Keeping your feet in front of you reduces risk of foot/ankle from getting caught in rocks or vegetation.
Float Plan
Share emergency plan with everyone.
Have a meet up point if group gets separated.