Mutual Support: New Zealand's Lifesaving River Crossing Method
A new method for group river crossings, known as mutual support, has been universally accepted as the best practice. This approach, developed by instructors of the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) in the early 1990s, has significantly improved safety and prevented fatalities in news today.
Historically, river crossings have been a major cause of fatalities in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The old method using a horizontal pole was not truly 'mutual supporting', often leading to individuals getting washed away. The invention of internal frame packs necessitated a news method.
Ray Goldring, Bushcraft Programme Manager at MSC, led the development of the mutual support method. This technique involves standing in a tight formation, placing arms between the back and pack of the person next to you, and grasping their hip belt. If a person becomes separated, they can use their pack as a floatation device and ferry-glide to the nearest bank. The 'folding-snake' or 'caterpillar' method is the safest technique for returning to the launch-bank if the crossing needs to be aborted.
The mutual support river crossing method has proven effective in preventing fatalities and continues to be the best practice for group crossings in news today. Its universal acceptance is a testament to its safety and efficiency. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council continues to promote and teach this method to ensure the safety of all who venture into the great outdoors.
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