Crossing a turbulent river without using floating equipment is a high-risk activity, and one needs to carefully evaluate one's own capabilities and environmental conditions. The following are the key steps and safety recommendations： --- ### **1. Assess risks (prioritize alternatives)** -**Avoid taking risks**: If possible, look for bridges, shallows or gentle areas to detour. Turbulent water currents may hide the risk of whirlpools, rocks, or hypothermia. -**Observe the water flow**: Choose a section of the river with relatively gentle water flow and narrow width, and avoid the outside of the curve (the fastest water flow) or areas with dense obstacles. --- ### **2. Preparation** -**Wear appropriate clothing**: Light clothing (to avoid excessive water absorption), wear shoes to prevent scratches, and take off excess items (the backpack can be dragged, but it will increase resistance). -**Teamwork**: When multiple people walk together, they hold hands in a straight line (perpendicular to the water flow), and the strongest takes the lead upstream. -**Warm-up**: Cold water may cause cramps, move your limbs in advance to adapt to the water temperature. --- ### **3. River crossing skills** -**Diagonally through the countercurrent**: Swim upstream at an angle of 45 degrees, using the thrust of the water flow to gradually come ashore (similar to the “Z”-shaped route). -**Maintain a stable posture**： -**Floating on your back**: Face up, spread your body flat, feet downstream (anti-collision), and move slowly down the river. -**Breaststroke/side swimming**: Save physical strength and avoid facing the current head-on. -**Avoid danger**： -**Whirlpool**: Swim out parallel to the edge of the whirlpool, do not struggle directly. -**Obstacles**: Buffer the impact with your feet to protect your head. --- ### **4. Emergency handling** -**Cramps**: Float on your back and stretch your muscles, calling for help. -**Washed away**: Stay calm and look for slow-flowing areas or shore to grab fixed objects. --- ### **5. Absolutely contraindicated** -**Acting alone**: The risk is extremely high when there is no assistance. -**Flood or turbid water flow**: The underwater situation is unknown, so resolutely avoid it. -**Insufficient physical strength/can't swim**: Do not try. --- ###**Important principles** **The power of natural waters far exceeds the limits of human physical fitness**. Even if the skills are proficient, turbulent rivers can still be fatal. Unless life and death are at stake, a safer solution should be chosen. If you must cross the river, it is recommended to bring a rope (fixed to the shore) or seek professional guidance.