Keys To Staying Safe While Tubing

1) Plan

Before you even inflate your tubes, it is important that you know the river. Asking a local or someone that has just floated the river can give you invaluable information that you may not have thought to look up or check. They often know where the majority of tubers float, are aware of current river levels, and know if there are any new potential hazards like a downed tree.

Things to consider

Drop in point - Where is a safe place to enter the river that is easily accessible? It's possible to enter a river from anywhere, but if the river bank is too steep it can be hard to get gear and tubes down to the water. If the bank is narrow it is hard to organize a large group of people for a float.
Exit point- Are there any landmarks visible from the river to help alert you to the river exit? Bridges are great for this if they exist, otherwise a boat ramp or building will do.
Parking - Where should you park cars? How are people getting to the drop in point and how are they getting back to their cars? Is a parking pass required?
Potential hazards - Is there a fork in the river? Is there a downed tree across the river? Some potential hazards are constant, like a fork in the river, while others change from one trip to the next, such as fallen trees.
River flow rate - Is the water level safe for floating? If the level is too low, there could be exposed rocks that would not normally be a problem. The faster the river is flowing the less time you will have to react to hazards or to paddle for the exit. Flow data for most US rivers can be found on the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Local laws - Is a life vest required? What are the local alcohol laws?

2) Prepare

Being prepared will give you the highest chance of having a fun and safe float. The best way to prepare is taking the information you gathered while planning to make a float plan and bringing proper gear.

A float plan doesn't need to be too complicated or in depth, but should include enough detail so everyone in your flotilla has an understanding of what to expect during the float. Be sure to tell someone, not on the float, where you're going and when to expect you back.

A float plan should include

Where you plan to drop in.When you plan to start the float.How you are getting everyone and their stuff on the water.Any known hazards you might have to avoid.Know where the exit is and roughly how long it should take to float to that point.How you're going to get everyone back to their cars.Local emergency contact number

Proper gear is key to staying safe, a short list of must haves include; sunscreen, drinking water, water shoes, a life preserver (if the law requires one or you aren't confident in your swimming abilities), and a helmet if you plan to go down any serious rapids.

3) Be Proactive

Once on the river enjoy your float, but always be aware of your surroundings. It's better to avoid dangerous situations than to react to them. Observing other flotillas down river and their actions can give you a preview of what's to come. Being proactive will give you enough time to avoid dead spots in the flow or give you a chance to go around rapids if they look too big or full of exposed rocks and sharp edges. Although, you won't know what's around a bend, a group paddling hard to the other side of the river could signify a fallen tree. It is best to stay near the middle of the river because the edges are likely to have branches and exposed rocks. Pay attention to what side the current is pushing you towards, by the end of the float you want to end up on the same side as the exit point.

4) Stay cool

If you followed the first three keys to safe tubing, you should be clear from most unexpected dangers. Should something go wrong, don't panic. Keep your cool and work your way to safety. Here is a list of situations you might find yourself in and how to handle them.

You miss your exit - If you know the conditions down the river it might be easiest to float to the next access point and walk back. If you are unsure paddle to the river bank on the same side as the exit and walk back. If the bank is too high to get up, you might have to work your way back up the river. The current will be less on the edge and should be shallow enough to make walking easier.
You happen to fall off your tube - If your tube is still inflated and easily reachable stay with it. The tube can be used as a buoyancy device to help keep your head above water until you pull yourself back up. You can also use the tube as a cushion to prevent you from slamming into any rocks. If your tube popped or you're in rough waters and it's more than a few strokes away don't swim for it. Instead be sure to keep your feet pointed downstream to embrace any collision you might encounter by using your legs as springs. If you can see your group and think you can make it to them, paddle over. Otherwise you need to work your way to the edge of the river.
An accident occurs - If there is a drowning, someone is bleeding or has obtained a head injury, work your way to shore, begin performing first aid and if necessary immediately send someone for help. Remember dialing 911 on a cellphone doesn't help a dispatcher locate you. Use your local emergency phone number, from your float plan. Be sure to have clear information as to what city you're in, what river you're on and what the emergency is.
One final note on safety, if you've ever been on a float, it seems like drinking and floating go hand in hand. If laws don't prohibit you from drinking on the river, and you're of age, be sure to only stock aluminum cans and plastic bottles. Glass bottles sink and if broken are dangerous for tubers. Make sure the river conditions are right for drinking, calm and slow and remember the more you drink, the slower your reaction time and judgement will be. A few seconds could be the difference between a safe float and a dangerous one. Get out there and have a good time.

Be sure to check the river flow rates before you go at http://waterwatch.usgs.gov/. Additional tubing information, gear, advice, checklists and river maps can be found at http://www.protuber.com/.

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