What Happens If You Fall Out of a Raft?

Falling out of a raft is uncommon on listed beginner trips. It is still briefed every time because moving water is not a pool. The guide’s swim talk is the procedure. This page is the plain-language version of that talk — not a replacement for it.

Quick Facts

• PFD stays on and buckled
• Float on your back
• Feet up and pointed downstream
• Do not stand in moving water
• Grab the rope or the boat when they say so
• High water and higher class change the risk

What To Do

1. Stay calm enough to hear the guide
2. Float on your back
3. Keep feet up
4. Point feet downstream
5. Do not stand up
6. Listen
7. Grab the rescue rope or the raft when directed

Standing is how feet get caught. That is why they repeat it.

What the Guide Is Doing

They will point, throw a rope, or move the boat to you. Your job is the float, not a swim race to the bank.

Beginner Mistakes

• Standing to walk out
• Swimming upstream
• Taking the PFD off because the water “looks calm”
• Skipping the brief because you can swim

FAQ

**Will I fall out?** Uncommon on Class II beginner trips. Possible. That is why the brief exists.

**Is this the same on Class IV?** The body position is the same. The water is not. Book the class you can enjoy.

**Do I need to swim?** See Can You Go Rafting If You Can’t Swim?.

Ready to Find an Outfitter?

Search whitewater rafting near your ZIP. Start at /water.

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