- Check the weather
Don’t go on the river when it’s foggy, when there’s a strong wind, when there’s a storm. The weather can change dramatically in a matter of minutes, and the weather forecast from yesterday may not work at all, so it’s always a good idea to check forecasts shortly before getting on the river and be prepared for different weather scenarios. - Always wear a life jacket
Remember, especially on kayaks, that the vest should be on and fastened! Only then will it serve its purpose!
Leisure on the Oder River - In summer, be sure to bring: a hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and water
Even on a cloudy day, with high temperatures and a lot of physical exertion (such as rowing for hours), you can get a stroke. The best protection against the negative effects of high temperatures and sun exposure is to protect your head – a hat, scarf or even a T-shirt wrapped around your head, sunglasses with the appropriate UV filter, and protect your skin exposed to the sun – through sunscreen creams. It is worthwhile for you to make use of preparations for mosquitoes and other insects. During a cruise or river rafting, you may have trouble replenishing drinking water. So it is worth taking an adequate supply of it.
Photo: Yacht Club Bergline - Learn the principles of first aid
When swimming on the river, you should carry a first aid kit, necessarily waterproof equipped with: bandages, a bandage, gauze, disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide, sunburn remedy, disposable gloves and small scissors. Recall the rules of first aid for cuts, abrasions, bruises, but also for heat or sunstroke or waterboarding. Familiarize yourself with the article on the patient.gov.pl website titled. “Always give first aid – the rules”, which discusses in detail the principles of emergency procedures.
Everyone, without exception, must know the emergency number 112, where you can always get professional help and be able to call the appropriate services to the scene. In Lower Silesia there is a special emergency number 984 dedicated to water rescue operated by the Lower Silesian WOPR – the number cooperates with the 112 emergency number. In what cases to call for help and how to call it correctly you can learn from the article on the patient.gov.pl website titled “Ambulance and emergency number”. “Ambulance and emergency number”.. If you are on the river with your children, make sure that they also know how to call for help and that they know the emergency number by heart. Act out the emergency number call scene with your child. The most important thing is to give the following information:
– Name
– Where am I
– What happened
– How many people need help
– Assure your child that the emergency number dispatcher will help with everything – you just need to cooperate with him – listen carefully and answer questions. Such an exercise will be useful not only during the vacations.
Photo: Yacht Club Bergline - Learn about navigation signs
On a river, as on a regular road, there are regulations that you must follow, even if the equipment you rent does not require special permits. We recommend a brochure and guide to inland waterways to download from the Ministry of Infrastructure website: https://www.gov.pl/web/infrastruktura/przewodnik-po-srodladowych-drogach-wodnych. - Be sober/sober
Boating on the river after consuming alcohol or psychoactive substances is very dangerous and can have fatal consequences. If your doctor hasn’t cleared you to quit drugs that cause psychomotor disorders, let go of paddling or driving a motor boat – river recreation can be done in a thousand different ways.
Photo: Yacht Club Bergline - Always keep an eye on your children
Even older children are not always able to correctly assess the consequences of their behavior. Don’t leave your children alone, take care of them as you would yourself. Remember that children are especially vulnerable to the negative effects of prolonged exposure to the sun. - Measure your strength against your strength
Don’t overestimate your swimming skills and fitness, because the element will always be stronger than a person. If you are an experienced sailor or kayaker, but already in your prime, also keep in mind that what seemed easy when you were young may cause more effort as you get older. Plan stops to recuperate. - Keep your memories safe
No photo is worth risking your health or life. Take them with your head! Don’t get up in the middle of a rafting trip to take a selfie, don’t lean overboard, and don’t swim too close to wild animals residing within the river. Secure your phone in a bag that you can zip tightly with excess air, or tie it with a long string to some part of the kayak or boat inside – this will protect it from drowning or yourself from falling into the water in pursuit of the gear heading your way.
Photo: Yacht Club Bergline - Swim in harmony with nature
Take a garbage bag with you, don’t leave it on the bank, don’t throw it into the river. Remember that anything you leave on the river will sooner or later flow to someone else – encounter an animal or paddle other tourists.
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