Here are a few basic rules. Your river guide will probably have additional ones: - Always wear your life jacket on and near the river! Make sure it is tight enough and securely fastened. - Do not drink alcoholic beverages either before or during the river trip. - Always wear tennis shoes or durable water shoes. - Avoid wearing or carrying sharp objects. - Be careful with your paddle when going through rapids. Hold on to it with both hands. If you must release it with one hand, keep it outside the raft; many rafters' injuries result from flailing paddles. - Should you fall from your raft, or if it should capsize, get out from under it. Once in the water, lean back, point your feet downstream, and let the water carry you. Don't try to stand up in swift water or your feet may become lodged between rocks. Try to propel yourself toward a raft, calm water, or shore. Keep your feet up!