This letter is in response to the raft that was stuck on the bridge (Herald, Oct. 14).
I have been a commercial raft guide on several rivers around the U.S. Therefore, I am aware that these things can occur during high water. All the guides in the photo appear to be experienced enough to have their own equipment. One problem that exists in the whitewater community overall is that people don’t always understand the basic elements associated with water and their ignorance and bravado often lead to an incident where someone gets injured or killed. People rely on the fact that I have good gear but they don’t understand how the river works. Especially during high water.
The other aspect that leads to problems even for the most experienced people is a lack of ability to swim effectively. A life jacket will only do so much. Especially, in a situation where a rescue is required.
In order to unpin a raft, the guide will have to swim out to the raft perhaps multiple times to attach a rope or in some cases find a place to stand on the piece of debris itself to free the raft. A person has to do these things without becoming foot entrapped, etc. It is important for everyone in the party to know how to manage rescue, not just one guy. Drowning happens when people fail to do what is required to have basic waterman and water safety skills – before going out.
Tracy Hines
Durango
