What position should one assume when forced to swim through a whitewater rapid?

The best position to assume when forced to swim through a whitewater rapid is to float feet first, with your head up. This technique is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, floating feet first allows you to create a barrier against potential obstacles in the river, such as rocks or logs. Your feet act as the first point of contact with these hazards, helping to protect your head and vital organs. This reduces the risk of injury and keeps your more vulnerable parts of your body—like your head and torso—clear of coming impact.

Secondly, keeping your head up while floating enables you to maintain visibility and awareness of the environment around you. This situational awareness is vital in fast-moving water to avoid further dangers and to identify calmer areas where you may be able to navigate to safety.

Remaining calm and adopting this position can help conserve energy while navigating through tumultuous water, allowing your body to be more effectively carried along by the current without exhausting yourself with unnecessary movements.

The other positions, such as swimming on your stomach with arms outstretched or crouching defensively, do not offer the same level of protection and adaptability in turbulent conditions. They may increase your risk of injury or make it harder to navigate through the rapids effectively.