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Safe Water Crossing Techniques for Rivers, Streams, and Obstacles

Quick Summary​

When hiking, camping, or in emergency situations, you may need to cross rivers, streams, or other water obstacles safely. This guide covers proven techniques for planning your crossing, choosing the right location, and executing safe crossings using proper body positioning and improvised equipment.

Why This Matters​

Water crossings are among the most dangerous outdoor activities. Each year, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are injured or killed attempting unsafe river crossings. Whether you're:

  • Backpacking and encounter an unexpected stream crossing
  • Dealing with flood conditions that have made normal routes impassable
  • In an emergency situation where you must cross water to reach safety
  • Exploring remote areas where bridges aren't available

Understanding proper water crossing techniques can save your life. Even shallow, seemingly calm water can knock you down and sweep you away if you don't use the right approach.

Planning Your Crossing​

Scout from High Ground​

Before attempting any water crossing:

  1. Find an elevated viewpoint - Look for hills, large rocks, or tall trees that give you a clear view of the water
  2. Study the entire area - Don't just focus on one spot; scan the whole waterway for better options
  3. Take your time - Spend at least 10-15 minutes observing water patterns, depth changes, and potential hazards

Look for Ideal Crossing Points​

Best locations include:

  • Multiple channels - Where the river splits into 2-3 narrower streams
  • Shallow sandbars - Position yourself upstream so current carries you toward the bar if you slip
  • Diagonal approaches - Plan to cross at a 45-degree angle downstream
  • Calm, deep water - Sometimes safer than fast, shallow rapids

Hazards to Avoid​

Never cross near:

  • Rock ledges spanning the river - Often indicate dangerous rapids or waterfalls downstream
  • Waterfalls or deep channels - Even small falls can trap and drown you
  • Very rocky areas - Submerged rocks are extremely slippery
  • River mouths/estuaries - Wide, strong currents affected by tides
  • Eddies - Circular currents that can pull you underwater

Safe Crossing Techniques​

For Swift Streams (Solo Crossing)​

Preparation:

  1. Remove outer clothing - Take off pants and shirt to reduce water resistance
  2. Keep shoes on - Protect your feet and maintain better grip
  3. Secure your gear - Tie clothing to the top of your pack; ensure you can quickly remove pack if needed
  4. Find a crossing pole - Look for a sturdy branch 7-8 feet long, 3 inches diameter

Crossing technique:

  1. Position the pole upstream - Plant it firmly on your upstream side to break the current
  2. Move systematically - Take one step, move pole slightly downstream but still upstream from you
  3. Plant each foot below the pole - Use the pole's support for balance
  4. Keep pole angled - Let current pressure hold it against your shoulder
  5. Cross at 45-degree angle downstream
Important

Never fight the current directly. Your pack's weight actually helps stabilize you - don't worry about it being heavy.

Group Crossings​

For 2-3 people:

  • Heaviest person downstream - They break the current for others
  • Lightest person upstream - They get the most protection
  • Link arms or hold a shared pole - Maintain connection throughout crossing
  • Move together - Coordinate each step as a unit

For 3+ people with rope:

  • Use rope technique where strongest swimmer crosses first
  • Rope length must be 3x the stream width
  • Secure both ends before others cross

Fast, Shallow Rapids​

  • Lie on your back - Feet pointing downstream
  • Keep feet up - Avoid catching them on rocks
  • Use hands to steer - Fin alongside your hips for control
  • Stay horizontal - Maintains buoyancy and reduces pull-under risk

Deep Rapids​

  • Lie on your stomach - Head pointing downstream
  • Angle toward shore - Whenever current allows
  • Watch for hazards - Especially eddies and converging currents
  • Stay calm - Fighting the current wastes energy and increases danger

Building Emergency Rafts​

Brush Raft (Supports ~250 lbs)​

Materials needed:

  • 2 ponchos or tarps
  • Fresh green brush (no thick branches)
  • 2 small saplings for X-frame
  • Rope or cord

Construction:

  1. Tie off poncho hoods and neck openings
  2. Spread first poncho inside-up
  3. Pile 18 inches of brush on poncho
  4. Create X-frame from saplings, tie in center
  5. Add another 18 inches of brush on top
  6. Wrap first poncho around brush bundle
  7. Roll bundle onto second poncho
  8. Wrap second poncho around entire bundle
  9. Launch tied-side up

Australian Poncho Raft (Supports ~75 lbs)​

Materials needed:

  • 2 ponchos
  • 2 backpacks
  • 2 poles (4 feet long)
  • Rope or cord

Construction:

  1. Prepare ponchos (tie off hoods/necks)
  2. Place poles 18 inches apart on first poncho
  3. Position packs and gear between poles
  4. Roll tightly and twist ends into "pigtails"
  5. Wrap in second poncho using same technique
  6. Tie securing ropes 12 inches from each end
caution

These rafts are designed to float equipment, not support your full body weight. Use them as flotation aids while swimming.

Improvised Flotation Devices​

Pants Flotation​

  1. Knot trouser legs at the bottom and close the fly
  2. Wet the fabric first - helps trap air better
  3. Swing pants overhead to fill legs with air
  4. Quickly seal waistband underwater
  5. Reinflate as needed during long crossings

Container Flotation​

  • Lash together empty containers (gas cans, water jugs, ammo boxes)
  • Test buoyancy before trusting your weight to them
  • Use only in slow-moving water - fast current can tear them apart

Natural Flotation​

  • Cattail bundles - Tie stalks in 10+ inch diameter bundles
  • Dry logs - Test first (some wood sinks even when dead)
  • Log pairs - Sit between two logs tied 24 inches apart

Crossing Dangerous Terrain​

Bogs, Quicksand, and Swamps​

Never try to walk upright through these areas. Instead:

  1. Lie face down - Distribute weight over maximum surface area
  2. Spread arms and legs wide - Like making a snow angel
  3. Move slowly - Quick movements cause you to sink
  4. Keep body horizontal - Maintain flotation posture
  5. Use swimming motions - Pull yourself across surface

Testing for Quicksand​

  • Toss a small stone - It will sink immediately in quicksand
  • Look for warning signs - Flat shores, river mouths, silt-heavy areas
  • Trust your instincts - If ground feels unstable, find another route

Dense Vegetation​

  • Stay calm - Thrashing makes entanglement worse
  • Use breaststroke - Shallow arm and leg movements
  • Remove plants like clothing - Gently clear path as you go
  • Float when tired - Rest on your back between swimming efforts

Safety Considerations​

Hypothermia Risk

Never attempt water crossings in extremely cold conditions unless absolutely necessary. Water below 60°F (15°C) can cause rapid hypothermia.

Equipment Safety
  • Always ensure you can quickly remove your pack
  • Test any improvised raft before trusting your life to it
  • Check water temperature before committing to a crossing
  • Have a backup plan if your first crossing attempt fails

When to Seek Alternative Routes​

Don't attempt water crossings if:

  • Water temperature is below 50°F (10°C)
  • Current is too strong for your group's abilities
  • You can't see the bottom in knee-deep water
  • Weather conditions are deteriorating
  • You don't have appropriate gear for your backup plan

Alternative solutions:

  • Build a bridge - Fell a tree across narrower sections
  • Find a different route - Even if it adds hours to your journey
  • Wait for conditions to improve - Water levels may drop overnight
  • Build a larger raft - If you have time and proper tools

Common Mistakes​

  • Mistake: Attempting to cross directly above waterfalls or rapids

  • Why it's wrong: Even a small fall can trap and drown you

  • Instead: Go upstream to find safer crossing points

  • Mistake: Fighting the current head-on

  • Why it's wrong: Wastes energy and increases drowning risk

  • Instead: Work with the current, crossing at angles

  • Mistake: Keeping pack strapped tight during crossings

  • Why it's wrong: Can drag you underwater if you fall

  • Instead: Ensure quick-release capability at all times

  • Mistake: Attempting crossings in groups without coordination

  • Why it's wrong: One person falling can endanger everyone

  • Instead: Practice communication and movement as a unit

  • Finding alternative routes

  • Managing cold water exposure

  • If you must stop and warm up

Source

Adapted from Field Manual FM-3-05.70

Last updated: January 18, 2026