Rafting - Environment

Water environments

A wide range of environmental factors need to be considered when planning rafting activities.  Rafting on rivers or lakes will be affected by the catchment size and character, the presence of obstacles such as vegetation, the gradient of the water flow, rubbish and flood debris, the volume of water, the variation of rock types, and river constrictions. 

Water and air temperatures, wind, precipitation, hot sun, turbidity, flooding and low water will also affect the planned rafting activity.

When preparing for rafting, staff should consider ways to minimise the environmental impact of the activity.  Further information is available at Environment.

Location

The choice of location should be based on the recent and first-hand knowledge of at least one member of the planning and supervising staff.  Where this is impractical, planning and supervising staff should be thoroughly familiar with the general characteristics and conditions found in similar locations, and should have consulted with people who can supply recent and first-hand knowledge of the locations being considered.

When assessing the suitability of a location, consider:

• the potential to support the educational objectives
• the level of access to resources, services and facilities that may be needed, such as campsites, water, walking trails, toilets, shelter from extreme weather, or interpretive information
• the level of access to communications and external assistance in the event of an emergency or extreme weather conditions — the more effectively remote the location is, the more self-contained and self-reliant the group must be and this must be taken into account in the planning of the activity
• the potential exposure to environmental hazards and difficulties
• the ability and fitness levels of students.

Contact with relevant authorities should be made in order to access current management information and determine any access and permit requirements.

These authorities may include:

• Emergency services
• Parks Victoria or other land managers
• Department of Sustainability and Environment
• Marine Safety Victoria
• Lifesaving Victoria

Staff need to be aware that severe weather conditions may develop before or during the proposed activity and should be prepared to cancel, modify or relocate the activity at any time.

Many whitewater activities are conducted in spring when rivers are at optimal levels.  Higher flows change the force of currents and therefore will alter the effect of hazards such as trees, rocks and other objects.

Staff should consult local, experienced individuals and organisations to assist in determining upper and lower cut-off water flow levels.

Where possible, choose a river map or published guide that shows major rapids and their grades, possible emergency evacuation points along the river, access and egress areas and access points for vehicles.  Given the constantly changing river environment, river maps/guides should be used as indicative resources only.

Many whitewater sections of rivers are classified as remote due to inaccessibility.  Thorough preparation and strong leadership skills are required in these circumstances.

Staff should consider current and imminent weather conditions and their potential impact on river conditions.  Conditions will be specific to each river because different watersheds will affect river heights differently.

Communication

 

Weather

Weather forecasts should be obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Weather conditions can change rapidly.  Monitor and assess the weather throughout the activity and be prepared to cancel, modify or relocate at anytime.

Weather warning telephone services

• Coastal, Land Weather and Flood Warnings on 1300 659 217
• Full State Telephone Weather Service on 1900 955 363 (call charge applies)
• Coastal Waters Telephone Service on 1900 969 930 (call charge applies)
• Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The above telephone numbers may be useful to have available during the excursion.

Web links

 

Transportation