On hot days summerThe whitewater rivers of western North Carolina are a popular destination for cooling off and enjoying nature. However, swimming in these waters can be dangerous if the necessary precautions are not taken.
Kevin Colburn, national director of administration for American Whitewater, shared with Enlace Latino NC some essential tips for swimming safely in rivers.
Related> Rivers for tubing in North Carolina
Tips for swimming in a river
There are 6 basic tips that you should consider to swim safely in the rivers of North Carolina.
- Avoid swimming in fast water
- Always wear a life jacket
- Don't go barefoot into the river: wear sneakers or sandals.
- Know the depth of the river
- Don't swim near dams
- Avoid jumping or diving from rocks
Below we explain them.
Avoid fast water
His first piece of advice is clear: “Don't swim in rapids because they can have dangerous spots that are difficult to recognize. Stay in natural pools where the water is calmer,” Colburn warned.
Rapids are stretches of water where the current speeds up and the flow becomes turbulent, creating whirlpools and dangerous conditions for swimmers.
To use lifeguards
Another essential point is to have life jackets, vital when swimming in white water rivers.
“Currents can be deceptively strong and make it difficult to swim or get to shore. Even as an adult, without a life jacket, you will find it very difficult to help others,” she emphasized.
Wear shoes
In addition, he also recommended using some type of appropriate footwear to protect the feet and facilitate the escape of water in rocky areas.
“In fast-flowing or whitewater rivers, rocks can always be dangerous, both from impacts and the possibility of getting stuck between them,” he said.
Related> The Best Lakes to Visit in North Carolina
Co mtest the water level
One of the most important tips for safe swimming in North Carolina rivers is to “always be informed” about water levels, as they can change rapidly in the region’s rivers.
“Our rivers can rise and fall rapidly after rainfall events, making high flows more dangerous,” Colburn said.
Therefore, it is crucial to check online flow meters before going swimming and pay attention to how high and fast the river is moving. Cloudy water also often indicates dangerously high water levels.
Wilson's Creek is one of the most popular swimming rivers for the Latino community in the Morganton area of western North Carolina.
And that's why it's also so important to check the water level in Wilson's Creek before entering the river.
Calburn shared a link so people can do so. You can check the water level here.
“Although there are no specific flow recommendations for swimming, I recommend being very cautious when the water level is above 2.5 feet, as this is when the rapids have enough flow to “whitewater paddling”.
Avoid swimming in dams
Another vital tip is to stay away from dams. “Even small dams can have a recirculating current that can be deadly,” Colburn warns.
Avoid jumping from a rock into the river
He advises against diving or rock jumping, as it is almost never safe.
“If you're going to jump off rocks into the river, swim into the landing area first and make sure it's deep and safe,” Colburn added.
Related: What precautions to take this summer on western North Carolina rivers affected by Helene
How to enjoy a safe experience?
For Kevin Colburn, “understanding mountain river behavior is crucial for a safe experience. Learning about rivers allows you to enjoy them with confidence and safety.”
Therefore, if you do not know how to swim, do not have experience swimming in rivers or do not have the appropriate knowledge and equipment, it is always better to inform yourself and take all safety measures.
Or simply: "You could just get your feet wet instead of swimming, tubing, or paddling. The biggest mistake is underestimating the power of moving water."
American Whitewater is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of whitewater rivers and to defending the rights of kayakers and other boaters on these rivers.
Here, we share the three key questions that Enlace Latino NC made American Whitewater to approach and swim safely in mountain rivers.
Why is it important to understand mountain rivers before swimming?
Swimming in our rivers is one of the best activities on a hot day. Learning about rivers allows you to enjoy them with confidence and security. Going to safe places, with low water levels, and wearing a life jacket and shoes is a good start to swimming safely.
What should swimmers look for when choosing a safe place to swim in a river?
Look for deep, calm water, away from rapids or other dangers. Swim or wade slowly around the pool and make sure your group is aware of any large rocks or logs that could cause injury.
You may be interested: What to do during a thunderstorm and you are driving?
How can someone new to whitewater gain confidence?
Taking a paddling class is a great way to understand how rivers work and gain confidence. It is also helpful to learn to play swimming in gentle currents at the top of pools. Practice swimming back and forth across a gentle current (this is called ferrying), and let the current carry you downstream a little and then swim out to the calm water next to the current (this is called catching a backwater ).
Republish our stories for free on your website or newspaper. We follow the Creative Commons license. Click the box and follow the instructions.
