 Remember, river crossings can be rather hazardous. Even a very shallow swiftly flowing body of water can pack enough force to 'skittle' the unwary. It could be hazardous to cross the river, if you cannot walk at the speed of a stick thrown into the river or if the river is swift and above knee height. If a river is in flood then wait for it to subside. Find an alternative route, if in doubt as to whether a river is safe to cross.
Some methods for water crossings are the following:
Crossing Alone
1. If possible, view the river from above to identify the shallowest point and smoothest area of river bed possible, avoiding submerged snags, boulders etc. It is better not to cross the river if large pieces of debris (logs, branches, etc.) are being carried downstream.
2. Keep your boots on. Usually wet boots damage ankles or feet. It is recommended not to cross wearing long pants, these will increase resistance to the current. Before crossing release the waist and chest strap on your pack - this way you will be able to free yourself quickly if you lose your footing or find yourself in a position where your pack is snagged and holding you down. It's also good to keep in mind that your pack has a certain amount of buoyancy and can serve as a flotation device if necessary.
3. In general, the safest area to cross will be a straight section between bends in a river. If you are going to cross the river in the shape of the letter 'S' then the safest area to cross will be the middle of the 'S' between the bends. That way, if you should lose your footing, hopefully the current will carry you into the bank on one of the bends. You have to understand though, that water can be deeper and swifter at bend sections, so always look for the best 'run off' section of a river that will carry you to a safe point and not into danger if you lose your footing.
4. Use a strong pole or stick about five or six feet in length as support, placing it on your upstream side so that the current forces it into the bottom.
It is advised to keep always two points of contact on the river bed at all times and cross diagonally downstream, resisting the current much like you would a strong wind. You need shuffling footsteps, feeling for the bottom. Look ahead for the best possible route and try not to look down at the flowing water as this may upset your equilibrium. Try to resist the temptation to grab at submerged or semi submerged rocks in transit, as this may upset your balance.
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