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| River Crossing |
 Crossing in a party
1. Members of the party stand in line abreast, each placing their hands behind the back of the person on either side of them and grasping the lower part of that persons pack shoulder strap. (or clothing if no pack is worn) This will 'interlock' the party. If a pack does not have a quick release buckle on the hip belt, then the hip belt should be left undone and clothing grasped instead.
2. Enter the water parallel to the current, with the strongest member of the party in the upstream position, this will break the flow for the others. Try to move with the upstream person just slightly ahead of the next person downstream and so on down the line.
In case a member of the party should break away during the crossing, the remaining members should maintain formation and either back out, or complete the crossing before attempting a rescue if necessary.
3. Make sure the important items are stowed in waterproof areas of your pack. (Plastic rubbish bags make good pack liners)
If you lose your footing and are carried away, release your pack but hold onto it. Float with your head upstream, this will allow you to fend off from any obstacles with your feet.
Method for gauging the width of a river (or gorge)
1. Sight a point 'A' on the opposite bank.
2. Place a marker 'B' into the bank directly opposite 'A'.
3. Walk at right angles for a known number of paces and then place another marker 'C'
4. Continue for another equal number of paces and then place another marker 'D'
5. Turn at right angles away from the river and marker 'D' and keep moving back until your second marker 'C' and the point 'A' on the other side of the river are in line. The distance from here back to 'D' will give a good approximation of the width of the river/gorge.
Keep in mind, flowing water is deceptively strong. You should not view river crossings lightly.
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