If possible, know the depth, current and bottom structure in the area before you go wading or swimming in a river. Also be aware of runoff conditions as they can dramatically change a river from day to day or even hour to hour. Engfer recommends that parents check an area before allowing children to wade or swim and be sure children are closely supervised while in the water. He also strongly advises wearing a Coast Guard Approved life preserver and notes that water toys are poor substitutes. Even familiar spots can be dangerous during high or unusual water conditions because of unexpected currents or greatly increased current strength.
Currents can change the bottom profile creating unknown drop offs.
A recent drowning death on the lower Wisconsin River occurred when a wader apparently walked over a drop off and was swept away by strong currents before he could swim back to safety. The American Heritage Rivers Initiative programs is designed to heighten efforts to revitalize riverfronts by enhancing the historic, recreational, economic and environmental value rivers, explains Dave O'Malley, a DNR riverway planning specialist. President Bill Clinton announced the program as part of his State of the Union address in February 1997. Rivers that are selected for the project will receive special recognition and increased technical assistance to help coordinate efforts from a variety of federal programs to improve river corridors. Projects that are selected for the program will only receive technical assistance from federal and state agencies.