With adventure tours, safety is always a top priority. When crossing rivers and streams, the tour guide or safety guide must consider all the factors of the water flow such as flow direction, depth, reefs, weather, etc.

Especially under the typical weather of Vietnam, there will be days of heavy rain and flood water. If this situation occurs during the trip, usually the tour guide will guide the participants to cross the stream safely with assistive devices. If the water is high and flowing, it is difficult to cross the stream, the groups will camp for one night and wait until the water recedes to return.

Crossing streams safely on the Salt Trail - Bidoup Nui Ba & Bidoup Phuoc Binh National Park

Consider all the risks you may face when crossing streams

When facing a strong river or stream, you should carefully evaluate the possible risks before deciding to cross. Not only in foreign countries, but also in Vietnam, there are many accidents in rivers and streams. When the unexpected comes, we are very difficult to handle. So "prevention is better than cure", you should consider carefully before deciding to cross rivers and streams when it's heavy rain.

You can answer the following questions:

• How is the weather and water flow? What is the chance of an accident?
• How many people are in your group and how is each person's fitness? Is the weakest member of the group strong enough to cross the stream?
• What is a backup plan?

Choosing to turn around and wait until the water slows down is always safer than facing potentially life-threatening risks.

Choose the right type of trekking shoes

Trekking shoes or rubber boots are the best choice to protect your feet when crossing streams. Not only do they help you keep your balance and prevent slipping, they also protect you from hidden sharp objects under the water that you cannot see.

However many of you choose to use waterproof shoes to keep your feet dry. This is true in case you are moving through shallow streams or in humid weather. But with strong streams, the water will flow back into the shoes and be difficult to get out. This will cause slowing down your steps.

In some cases, participants walked barefoot across the stream to avoid getting their shoes wet. This will increase your chances of tripping and twisting your legs. Wearing shoes across streams while they get wet, they provide a good grip and reduce the chance of foot injury.

Crossing streams safely on the Salt Trail - Bidoup Nui Ba & Bidoup Phuoc Binh National Park

If you want to both protect your feet and keep them dry, Tropical Trekking recommends bringing 2 pairs of shoes. Once to move on the ground, the other to cross the stream safely.

Using trekking poles

Trekking poles are extremely useful in helping you keep your balance when moving underwater. Using a trekking stick means that you will have 3 points of contact with the water, 2 legs and 1 pole (or 2) to make a point of support. Therefore, when you move your feet in the water, you will have better flexibility and balance.

Crossing streams safely on the Salt Trail - Bidoup Nui Ba & Bidoup Phuoc Binh National Park

Crossing streams in groups

Crossing the stream in a vertical line

In the case of belly-level water, crossing the stream vertically is an effective way. The safety guide/tour guide with good physical strength will take the lead, followed by the members of the group, the latter put their hands on the shoulders of the first and so on moving to the other side. Everyone walks evenly in a straight line to reduce the drag of the water.

Crossing streams safely on the Salt Trail - Bidoup Nui Ba & Bidoup Phuoc Binh National Park

Notes to avoid when crossing a stream is useful for you

• Unfasten your backpack's straps when you cross the stream. So, if you fall into the water, it's easy to take off your backpack without being weighed down by them.
• Footsteps on flat rocks in the water are very slippery, with rough surfaces less slippery. Remember to look into the water carefully before moving.
• If the water level is above your knees and the flow is fast, you should not cross the stream alone, but follow the instructions of an experienced person.
• Deep, slow-moving water is generally safer than shallow but fast-moving water.
• If the water is too strong you should look for a safer area to cross.

Remember that if you are unsure of how safe it is to cross a stream on high water days, then waiting is always a safer solution.

Tropical Trekking wishes you a safe trip full of experiences.