The final decision must rest with the leader. Leaders and participants must respect private property. Room should be made for the next boat that may wish to enter an eddy. Leaders ought to be prepared to help participants who experience a genuine fear of moving water by providing them with strategies for coping with their fear. If the group is too large to avoid a social or natural impact, it ought to be divided into smaller groups, each of appropriate strength with designated leaders, scouts, and sweeps.
All water activities carry the risk of accidental drowning.
A P.F.D. is the first line of defense against drowning for all participants and leaders. I or III is worn by each person. P.F.D.'s should always be worn when scouting rapids or working on the river bank. P.F.D. The P.F.D. as protection against immersion hypothermia. P.F.D.'s can increase survival times because they insulate the wearer.