Maybe you’ve read in the Naperville Sun articles about the rescues of people stranded on the DuPage River and wondered, “who would do that?”
While I wasn’t one of the nine who were rescued earlier this year, I have rafted down the DuPage River.
I have lived here a long time and those trips down the DuPage River showed me a much different Naperville. It’s a different view of Naperville that I was glad to experience, with a chance to see flowers, turtles, and snakes. It’s a view that I haven’t even witnessed walking on the adjacent path along Washington Street.
Would my family have attempted a raft trip under conditions of the DuPage River when the river is fast-moving and swollen—highly doubtful. However, canoeing, kayaking or rafting down a river can be fun and safe under the right circumstances.
But even in what should be safe conditions, things can happen. My family’s last ride on the DuPage ended with a punctured raft under 75th Street and a fast scramble to shore.
Stumbling and falling in the rock-filled river, I fell causing a large gash to my leg which did require medical care which was paid for by me via a co-pay and through my health insurance.
However, we didn’t require emergency assistance. If we did, should we or anyone in need of emergency assistance be charged as has been brought forth as one possible option to deter people from entering the river on unsafe days?
Charging for emergency rescues is nothing new. Even in Hawaii, a Kauai County bill is gaining momentum that would allow the government to charge hikers who disregard warnings and find themselves in need of emergency assistance for the cost of their rescue if they get stranded too far off the trail.
Would some choose to not call for help because they would have to pay for the rescue services? Who draws the line on what constitutes unsafe behavior and what is that line?
Moving forward, the city is in discussions hoping to reduce the number of emergency incidents on the DuPage River and already appears to have some sound ideas to increase the message regarding safe times to utilize the river.
This year there have been several deaths on rivers in Central Illinois,” Andy Cocallas, who resides on many paddling-related boards including serving as vice president and safety chair for the Illinois Paddling Council, said. “There is a lot we can do to educate the public.”
After other storms, Cocallas said expert paddlers have been out to assess the DuPage River and found that no one should be on it in high water level conditions.
When any river is flooded, it is dangerous, he added.
Access to information can help paddlers make good decisions. Cocallas recommends the following links: one gives information about the river’s daily height and the other helps determine if a river is at an individual’s capability to paddle.
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/il/nwis/current/?type=dailystagedischarge&group_key=county_cd
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/state-summary/state/IL/
John Chase the general manager of Naperville Kayak said he no longer operates trips down the DuPage River. Instead, Naperville Kayak offers classes and kayak rentals at the quarry in downtown Naperville.
One reason is because water levels are so variable. “Sometimes it is running really fast and is too dangerous. Or, it is too slow,” he added.
Joining a group like the Prairie State Canoeists also can be helpful to beginning paddlers. Chase said the club’s sole purpose is to create camaraderie and educate paddlers on how to be safe on the water.
Chase who is an American Canoe Association certified-instructor said sometimes people underestimate the power of water.
“They don’t realize the water will always win,” he added. “They get excited for fast water, but don’t realize that things can go wrong pretty quickly.”
Chase said a leading cause of death in canoe/kayaking accidents is not wearing life jackets. When accidents occur, Chase said it is often because “people lack the skills to recognize the hazards in water and also are unequipped to understand and manage the conditions.”
More Top Picks Best Smallest Microwave Ovens
Cathy Janek is a freelance writer for the Naperville Sun.
Top 10 safety list for paddlesports
1) Take an on water course for safety & paddling.
2) Wear your properly fitted life jacket at all times on the water.
3) Understand cold water safety.
4) Check high water conditions prior to launching.
5) Check weather conditions and plan accordingly.
6) Bring water and snacks for long days on the water.
7) Put first aid and cell phone in a dry bag.
8) Leave your itinerary with someone and estimated time off the water.
9) Have a safety check list.
10) Know your limits.
Source: Illinois Paddling Council