River and Hiking Safety

Floating the Current River can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. To keep floats relaxing and enjoyable, safety is the park's top priority. Read the article below to learn about safe floating in the Ozarks.

NPS Photo / Jessica Poppa

 

Safe Floating

The rivers of the Ozarks are home to some of the most fun, engaging experiences in the Midwest. However, fun and excitement must always be balanced with safety. Keep reading to learn about self rescue, obstacles on the river, tips before your float, and the ABC's of River Safety. These rules and recommendations will help you have a safe, relaxing trip down Ozark riverways.

Self Rescue

If you are going to float the Current or Jacks Fork rivers, you must be able to keep yourself safe. One of the most important requirements for floating is self rescue. On wild and scenic rivers, there are no lifeguards. In an emergency, there is often no phone signal, and help could be hours away. If you fall out, capsize, or get stuck, usually the only person who can help you is you.

For these situations, “self rescue” can mean the difference between life and death. Floaters must be able to stand or swim on their own. They must be able to reach land and escape swift waters. If you are not capable of self rescue, the river is not safe for you.

Obstacles on the River

Part of the rivers' beauty is their "wild and free-flowing" nature. While the park will remove obstacles that pose significant risk, we leave some fallen trees untouched. This allows for a scenic, natural habitat that native species depend on. Whether or not an obstacle is considered "dangerous" depends on location: If it can be seen from a distance and easily avoided, it will likely not be removed. However, trees blocking a majority of the river, rootwads that are unavoidable, and other obstacles that pose a higher risk of drowning are removed as necessary. 

This is not a manicured riverway: the river is constantly changing from storms, floods, and other natural forces. Floaters must be prepared for a variety of obstacles at all times.

Before You Go

The first step of safe floating comes before you get to the river: Being informed. Every floater should know local conditions, current weather, and their own abilities before they float. Click the tabs below to learn the importance of each action.

Know Your Limits

Know the limits of your own body and equipment. If you feel unsafe with rapids, strong currents, or self-rescue, consider finding a different way to enjoy the river.

Know Local Conditions

Check the local weather forecast and river levels. Rivers are safer when they are near or below average levels.

Be Aware of Fast Rising Streams

Local streams and rivers can quickly reach unsafe levels following moderate to heavy rains. Be mindful of rising waters and always have a secondary escape route.

File an Itinerary

Send your floating plan to friends or family. Include your route, vehicle description, and expected start or end times.

 

 

Remember the ABC's of River Safety!

A - Always Wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device)

A personal flotation device (PFD), also called a lifejacket, is recommended for all paddlers regardless of ability. By law, children ages 7 and under are required to wear a PFD while floating. A well-fitting “Type III” PFD can spell the difference between life and death on the river.

In the event of flipping a canoe, kayak, or tube, there is no time to put on a PFD. The current may pull you underwater in less than a second. Hitting your head could knock you unconscious. In any situation, your body does not naturally float. So, wear your PFD at all times, even when it seems safe!

B - Bottom Down, Feet Up

If your vessel capsizes, do not try to stand up right away. Instead, spin around to float with your bottom down and your feet up, facing downstream. Float until your bottom hits solid ground, or until you reach calm water. Remember that wearing a PFD makes it much easier to keep your head above water!

Never try to stand up immediately, especially in fast-moving waters. Your foot could get stuck under a rock or root, causing entrapment.

C - Climb That Rootwad

Rootwads or “strainers” are large, tangled clumps of roots and branches. They can be found on any section of the river, and they should be avoided whenever possible.

If you find yourself being pushed into a rootwad, do not lean away from it. This will capsize your vessel, pinning you underneath or against the roots. Instead, grab hold of the rootwad and climb upwards. Once on top, wait there for help from another floater.

Do not try to retrieve your belongings or vessel if they are stuck against the rootwad. These items can be gathered later, and they are never worth losing your life for.

D - Drink Responsibly

Even when consumed in small amounts, alcohol poses risks to floaters. It reduces coordination and awareness, increases muscle fatigue, and can lead to fatalities. Reduce these risks by wearing a PFD and drinking in moderation.

Also, remember that operation of motor vehicles (including boats) is highly illegal when under the influence. Designate a sober driver for any motorized transportation.

 

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Local Conditions (Live)

The boxes below show current weather conditions near Eminence, Missouri (on the Jacks Fork).

Be sure to check the weather for the exact area you are floating. Also, be aware that weather in the Ozarks is known to change suddenly. Over-prepare by bringing rain gear and warm clothes, even if it is currently dry or not cold.

Hazardous Weather Conditions

Lat: 37.15496851784158 Long: -91.358528129349

Last updated:

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Hiking Safety:

Hiking Trails

Know before you go: Check local weather forecast

File an itinerary: A good practice is to file a hiking plan with a friend or loved one before departing.

Be aware of fast rising streams: Area streams rise rapidly to unsafe levels following moderate to heavy rains. Be mindful of rising streams and always have a secondary escape route.

Know your limits: Know your own limits and don't over hike beyond your safe distance.

Stay on Trail: Deviating from the designated trail can lead to you becoming lost and can impact crucial park resources. Please stay on designated trails and stay off social or

Leave no Trace: "Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures" on park trails.

Wear Bug Spray: The park is host to numerous species of ticks, gnats, mosquitoes and chiggers. Some of these species can carry potentially dangerous diseases. You are encouraged to use an insect repellant while hiking area trails.

Pack it in, Pack it out: Please pack all trash you may produce on your hike off the trail. We thank those that actively pick up trash along area trails and mesh trash bags can be obtained at most park visitor centers.

 

Carry the "Ten Essentials"

 

NAVIGATION – Map, compass, and GPS system
Navigation systems are used when planning your route before your trip, and when you need help orienting yourself in your surroundings during your activity. Know how to use a topographical or relief map as well as your compass or GPS unit before going out.

 

SUN PROTECTION – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
Sun protection is necessary to protect your skin and eyes against harsh UV rays that are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Consider using sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats. Sun-protection clothing such as pants and long sleeve shirts can also help minimize your exposure to the sun.

 

INSULATION – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear
Nature is unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Pack an extra layer of clothing that reflects the most extreme conditions you could encounter.

 

ILLUMINATION – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp
Lighting is indispensable in the outdoors where no conventional light sources can be found. Items include flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps. Headlamps are the preferred light source because they are hands-free. Be sure to pack extra batteries.

 

FIRST-AID SUPPLIES – First Aid Kit
Be prepared for emergencies by packing first-aid supplies with you. Start with a pre-made kit and modify it to fit your trip and your medical needs. Check the expiration date on all items and replace them as needed. Consider including an emergency guide in case you are faced with an unfamiliar medical emergency.

 

FIRE – Matches, lighter and fire starters
Fire can be an emergency signal and a heat source for cooking and staying warm. Pack matches (preferably waterproof) and fire starters - items that catch fire quickly and sustain a flame (e.g. lighter). Familiarize yourself with the fire use regulations of your park before heading out.

 

REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors
Carry a basic repair kit with you to help repair equipment. The kit should include items such as duct tape, a knife, and scissors. Consider packing a multi-tool, a compact version of many tools that can include a knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc. Be sure to bring any tools specific to your trip and your activity.

 

NUTRITION - Food
You should always be prepared for the possibility of changes to your trip plans. Pack an extra day's supply of food, preferably no-cook items that have good nutritional value in order to keep your energy high. Salty and easy to digest snacks (e.g. trail mix, nuts, and granola bars) work well for outdoor activities.

 

EMERGENCY SHELTER – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy
Shelter is one of the most important elements during an emergency survival situation. It can protect you from severe weather conditions and exposure to the elements. A tent, tarp, bivy sack, or emergency space blanket are all light weight options for emergency shelter.

 

HYDRATION – Water and water treatment supplies
Staying hydrated on your trip is of utmost importance! Physical activity increases your risk of dehydration (loss of water and salts from the body), which can lead to negative health consequences. If you’re active outdoors (hiking, biking, running, swimming, etc.), especially in hot weather, you should drink water often and before you feel thirsty. Prepare your water before you need it and do not allow yourself to become dehydrated. Before heading out on your trip, be sure to identify if there are any bodies of water at your destination that you could collect water from and treat using your water treatment supplies.

 

In case of an Emergency dial 911 or
Park dispatch at 844-460-3604