Float Trips

Disclaimer

There are significant dangers associated with both Open Water and Moving Water outings.  Units undertaking a Scouting Adventure on either a large body of water or moving water need more than just the basic skills and knowledge required by the BSA to conduct such a trip safely.

Our Troop has several adults with extensive experience and professional training in watercraft use, sailing and whitewater.  If you are planning a float trip and do not have an experienced adult leader able to assess flow rates, wind and "read water", you should reconsider a water outing until you have the proper resources and people to make your trip safe. 

We are happy to talk to you if you have questions. 

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.